Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab expressed deep sorrow on Sunday over the sudden demise of Sonia, the African elephant at Safari Park, and directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident. “If negligence is found, strict action will be taken against the officials and staff involved,” the mayor stated.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab assured the public and media that all findings related to Sonia’s death would be shared transparently. Park officials reported that Sonia, who appeared healthy and was eating normally, was found lifeless by staff early in the morning.
A detailed post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of her unexpected death. Sonia’s passing comes months after the tragic demise of Noor Jehan, a 17-year-old African elephant at Karachi Zoo, who succumbed to health complications in April despite undergoing emergency treatment for a tumor under international veterinary supervision.
The back-to-back losses of elephants in Karachi have sparked renewed concerns about the welfare and management of captive animals, with many urging improved care and oversight for wildlife in the city’s parks and zoos.