Heartbreak As African Elephant Sonia Dies in Karachi, Leaves Two Sisters Behind
A tragic loss struck Karachi Safari Park in southern Pakistan as Sonia, an African elephant recently reunited with her sister after 15 years, passed away on Sunday.
The park’s director, Syed Amjad Hussain Zaidi, confirmed the death, stating that an autopsy would be conducted in the coming days to ascertain the cause.
Sonia had undergone a health check-up just 10 days ago and was reportedly in good condition, according to Zaidi. Austrian NGO Four Paws, which has been actively involved in advocating for better conditions for elephants in Pakistan, had also visited her at the end of November.
This incident shines a spotlight on Pakistan’s troubling history of animal welfare. Cases of neglect and mistreatment in zoos and parks have frequently drawn criticism from activists.
Sonia and her sister, Madhubala, were among four young African elephant siblings captured from the wild in 2009 and relocated to Pakistan. While Sonia and Malika were placed in Karachi Safari Park, Madhubala and Noor Jehan were moved to Karachi Zoo.
The sisters’ story took a poignant turn earlier this year when Noor Jehan died in April, raising questions about the zoo’s conditions. Following the tragedy, Four Paws urged authorities to move Madhubala to Karachi Safari Park, citing the park’s relatively better environment. Their advocacy led to the emotional reunion of the three surviving sisters less than two weeks ago.
“Today, after the death of Sonia, we have two elephants left,” Zaidi shared solemnly, as Madhubala and Malika remain the park’s only African elephants.
This devastating event underscores the urgent need for improved animal welfare and conservation efforts in Pakistan.
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Heartbreak As African Elephant Sonia Dies in Karachi, Leaves Two Sisters Behind
