Safari Park elephant dies under mysterious circumstances

An elephant named Sonia, a long-time Safari Park resident, faced a sudden death in the early hours of Sunday. The facility’s staff found her body lying lifeless in the enclosure she was being kept in.

Safari Park Director Syed Amjad Hussain Zaidi said the probable reason for her death may be a heart attack. However, he added, the actual reason would only be ascertained after a post-mortem examination.

“We received the news about Sonia at around 6:30 in the morning, and we immediately came here,” said Zaidi. “We have secured her body and placed ice around it. The weather is cold, so we’ll be able to preserve her remains.”

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab ordered an investigation into Sonia’s sudden death. He stressed that a thorough inquiry would be conducted to determine the cause of death. If negligence on the part of officers or staff is found, strict action will be taken against those responsible, he warned.

Wahab ordered a complete post-mortem examination of the elephant ensuring that every aspect is investigated to ascertain whether the death was natural or the result of an accident.

He instructed the senior director of recreation to gather comprehensive details about the food provided to Sonia, and confirm if it adhered to the required standards.

The mayor reminded the public that just days ago, the elephant Madhubala had been relocated from the Karachi Zoo to the Safari Park to provide her with a better environment and companionship with the park’s existing elephants.

He expressed grief over the tragic news of the death of Sonia, one of the three elephants at the park. “The protection, proper feeding and well-being of animals at the Karachi Zoo and the Safari Park are our responsibility.”

He made the assurance that any lapse by officials or staff would result in disciplinary action. He reiterated his commitment to transparency, pledging to share the findings of the investigation with the public and the media.

The autopsy is expected to occur in two days under the supervision of Dr Amir Khalil, director of project development at the animal welfare organisation Four Paws International.

Until the procedure is completed, Sonia’s body will remain at the Safari Park. Previously named Sonu, the tusker was mistaken as a male by the Safari Park for 12 years until Four Paws examined it in 2021.

She had been captured from the wild in Tanzania when she was very young with three other female elephants. With Sonia’s death, the Safari Park has been left with only two elephants: Malika and Madhubala.