Keeping Madhubala alive: The fight for Karachi’s captive elephants

After Noor Jehan, a 17-year-old African elephant at Karachi Zoo, died in 2023, Jude Allen left his job to devote himself to animal care. He is now among the activists and veterinarians working to save Madhubala, one of Noor Jehan’s sisters, who faces serious health problems. The four elephant calves were captured in Tanzania and brought to Pakistan in 2009; Noor Jehan and Madhubala were kept at Karachi Zoo, while Sonia and Malika went to Safari Park. Animal advocates say inadequate facilities and resources leave captive elephants without the care they need.