Death of elephant at Pakistan zoo raises concerns

The death of an elephant in Pakistan's Karachi Zoo has revived criticism of the nation's treatment of zoo animals.

The 17-year-old elephant Noor Jehan became critically ill after falling into a pond earlier in April and being unable to get up without help.

"After fighting for 9 days, she succumbed to her critical condition. She spent too long lying on the ground - a life-threatening situation for elephants," Four Paws, an international animal welfare organisation that had been advising veterinarians on her treatment, said in a statement.

Four Paws veterinarian Amir Khalil said it was "heartbreaking that she had to die at only 17 years old, when she could have had many more years". Noor Jehan was an African elephant, which have an average lifespan of 60 to 70 years.

In recent years two lions died of asphyxiation in Pakistan after handlers tried to get them out of their den using smoke, and a number of white tiger cubs have died.

The director of the Karachi Zoo was removed this month over complaints of negligence. A court in 2020 ordered the closure of the Islamabad Zoo, where an elephant called Kaavan was kept.

US celebrity Cher, after years of seeking to free Kaavan, came to Pakistan to see him off on his move to a Cambodian sanctuary.

Khalil said Karachi Zoo did not meet international standards and urged that Madhubala, the healthy elephant remaining at the zoo, be relocated to a more species-appropriate place to give her a chance at a better life.

Four Paws said Madhubala was mourning the loss of her longtime companion.

The widespread criticism faced by authorities in the wake of Noor Jehan's condition - with images of her helplessly lying on her side - has led to reports in the local media that Karachi Zoo may be shut down permanently.

Four Paws said it welcomed this proposal, adding that it could be a turning point for the welfare of wild animals in captivity in Pakistan.