Karachi’s Elephants Receive Groundbreaking TB Treatment
Key Details of the Treatment
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Patients: Two African elephants, Madhubala and Malika, at Karachi’s Safari Park, diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB).
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Medication: Given 400+ human TB pills daily, adjusted for their 4,000 kg weight, hidden in food like apples, bananas, and sweetened rice balls.
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Challenges: Elephants initially spat out bitter pills and charged keepers but gradually adapted.
Why This Treatment is Unique
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Cross-Species Care: The same drugs used for humans are being administered—a rare approach for elephants.
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Expert Involvement: Dr. Buddhika Bandara, a Sri Lankan vet with experience treating TB in elephants, is overseeing the process.
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Preventive Measures: Keepers wear masks and scrubs to avoid transmission (TB infects 500,000+ humans yearly in Pakistan).
Background: How Did the Elephants Get TB?
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Origin: The elephants were captured in Tanzania and brought to Karachi in 2009.
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Previous Deaths: Two others, Noor Jehan (2023) and Sonia (2024), died—autopsies revealed TB.
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Asymptomatic Cases: Madhubala and Malika show no symptoms, making early detection crucial.
Controversy Over Animal Welfare
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Past Criticism: Safari Park has faced backlash for poor conditions, including an elephant rescued after Cher’s campaign.
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Hope for Recovery: A year-long treatment plan aims to save the last two elephants.
Medical & Educational Impact
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Research Opportunity: Doctors and students are studying the case, as elephant TB is rare but transmissible from humans.
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Feeding Strategy: Mahout Ali Baloch prepares medicated rice balls with molasses to mask the pill’s bitterness.
This innovative cross-species treatment could set a precedent for elephant healthcare in captivity. While challenges remain, the team’s dedication offers hope for Madhubala and Malika’s recovery—and highlights the urgent need for better zoo animal welfare standards in Pakistan.
