By Aamir Latif
KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan has lost one of its last three captive elephants, as 22-year-old Sonia was found dead at Safari Park Karachi, authorities said Sunday.
Sonia’s lifeless body was discovered early Sunday morning by park staff, with officials believing she died on Saturday night. The African elephant had been at the park since 2009 when she and three other female elephants were brought to Karachi.
The incident marks the second elephant death in Karachi in under two years.
Amjad Zaidi, the director of Safari Park, said a thorough investigation has been launched to determine the cause of Sonia’s death. Veterinary experts are set to conduct a post-mortem examination.
The death comes just days after another elephant, Madhubala—named after the legendary Indian actress—was relocated from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park due to poor conditions at the zoo.
In April 2023, Noor Jehan, a 17-year-old elephant named after a Mughal-era queen, died at Karachi Zoo after suffering from multiple health issues.
In November 2020, Kaavan, dubbed Pakistan’s "loneliest elephant," was relocated to a wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia after a global campaign led by animal rights activists, including Four Paws.
Sonia’s death leaves only two captive elephants in Pakistan, both in Karachi.