A detailed veterinary health assessment of the four African elephants in Karachi was submitted by a team of national and international veterinarians at the Sindh High Court today. The team, led by Dr. Frank Goeritz of the Leibniz Institute, Berlin, examined the elephants under standing sedation on November 28/29, 2021. Their report has a list of recommendations of immediate and long term actions needed for the welfare of the elephants. Madhubala, NoorJehan, Malika and Sonu need medical intervention for their foot and dental issues, as well as species appropriate housing. Changes in enclosure design, and in animal training are mandatory for a ‘behavioural enrichment program’ to ensure their good health and wellbeing.
The European Association for Zoos and Aquarium’s Best Practice Guidelines for Elephants