Veterinarians carried out a critical procedure to save Noor Jehan, a 17-year-old elephant, at a zoo in Karachi, southern Pakistan.
Noor Jehan, who arrived at the zoo over 12 years ago with three other elephants, has been facing several health issues, including arthritis, which caused concern after videos surfaced showing her struggling to stand and leaning against a tree.
An international team from the Austrian animal welfare group Four Paws performed the complex procedure with assistance from a crane and fire truck.
Led by Dr. Amir Khalil, the team faced a challenge when Noor Jehan nearly collapsed after sedation, but they were able to stabilize her.
The veterinarians performed an ultrasound, discovering a large hematoma in her abdomen affecting her organs.
Dr. Khalil remained optimistic, saying, “The good news is that there is treatment for this, but it will require significant effort and some luck in the days ahead.”
He also noted that, despite her condition, Noor Jehan is young and could live for another 20 to 30 years with proper care.
The team involved veterinarians from Egypt and Bulgaria and a German elephant husbandry expert. Local officials, including the governor of Sindh province and animal rights activists, were present during the procedure.
Given the unsuitable conditions at the zoo, Dr. Khalil confirmed that plans are in place to relocate Noor Jehan and her companion, Madhubala, to a better environment.
Noor Jehan’s health issues also include a broken pelvis and a growing abscess, but treatments such as water therapy and increased movement could aid her recovery.
“We will move her to a larger space where she can move freely,” Dr. Khalil said, emphasizing that this is crucial for Noor Jehan’s rehabilitation.
