A post-mortem examination was conducted on Monday to determine the cause of death of Sonu, the elephant that was found dead at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s Safari Park.
According to KMC information, the procedure was led by Dr Ghulam Mustafa from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, with the support of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s veterinary team. Tissue samples from various parts of the elephant’s body were collected for further analysis to ascertain whether the death was due to natural causes or an accident.
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, deeply saddened by the loss, ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He assured the public that every aspect of Sonu’s death would be scrutinized, including whether any negligence on the part of the park’s staff played a role.
The mayor said that the welfare of animals under the city’s care was a priority. He underscored the responsibility of the authorities to ensure their safety, proper nutrition, and a suitable living environment.
This incident comes shortly after the international organization Four Paws assisted in relocating another elephant, Madhubala, from Karachi Zoo to the Safari Park, offering her a more fitting habitat alongside other elephants.
Mayor Wahab expressed his regret over Sonu’s untimely death and assured that the results of the investigation would be made public. He further vowed that any administrative lapse, if identified, would be met with strict disciplinary action.