The 17-year-old African elephant named Noor Jehan underwent emergency treatment for a tumor in Karachi Zoo on 5 April, but collapsed days later by falling in the pool in its pen. It has since lain stricken on its side and cranes are used to change its side.
Tireless efforts are being made by foreign and local veterinarians to bring an ailing elephant Noor Jehan back on its feet but various medications and treatments have been used to no avail.
According to reports, Noor Jehan had now developed skin lesions, apparently due to the crane’s belts and ropes used to change her position. One of the officials shared, “Her skin lesions are being treated while a team is preparing a soft harness best suited to her needs”.
Noor Jehan’s fate now lies with the Austria-based chief vet of animal charity Four Paws International, Amir Khalil, who was already treating her for her tumor. He told the officials that he wanted to do one last try after that they can decide whether the pitiful giant needs to be euthanized or not.
The deplorable conditions of Noor Jehan are being shared by animal rights activists on social media in Pakistan and abroad, encouraging calls for the zoo to be shut down.
