ISLAMABAD: Global animal welfare group Four Paws said in a statement this week an autopsy of Pakistani elephant Sonia who died suddenly on Sunday had revealed she had several bacterial infections that ultimately led to sepsis.

Sonia, who was almost 19, is the second elephant to die in two years in the southern city of Karachi, where she had lived since 2009 at the city’s Safari Park. She was reunited recently with her sister Madhubala, who was transferred from the Karachi Zoological Garden last month to be with her family members.

Madhubala was separated from sisters Sonia and Malika about 15 years ago.

“The microbiological results from Sonia’s autopsy revealed the presence of various bacteria,” Four Paws said in a statement on Tuesday. “The source of the bacteria was an advanced abscess on Sonia’s foot which was just recently discovered and treated during our stay [at the Safari Park] for Madhubala’s relocation. The severe bacterial infection ultimately led to fatal sepsis.”

Pakistan has a troubled history with elephants in captivity.

Noor Jehan, 17, was brought to Karachi with three other elephants more than a decade ago. She died in April 2023, days after undergoing a critical medical procedure by a team of international veterinarians.

In 2020, Kaavan, dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant” after languishing alone for years in a Pakistani zoo, was sent to a Cambodian sanctuary for the much-needed company of other elephants. Efforts to transfer him from Pakistan were supported by singer and actor Cher, who campaigned for his rescue.

Four Paws said following Sonia’s death, local authorities had extended an invitation to the charity, requesting further support for Malika and Madhubala.

“In response to this request and the pathological findings, FOUR PAWS experts have sent KMC [Karachi Metropolitan Corporation] a prophylactic treatment plan for Malika and Madhubala, urgently recommending immediate antibiotic treatment, alongside blood tests for both elephants before and after the treatment,” Four Paws said.

“Following the prophylactic treatment, the FOUR PAWS team will return on-site to conduct further examinations of the elephants.”

The organization said Sonia’s and Noor Jehan’s deaths were “tragic consequences of prolonged species-inappropriate living conditions and malnutrition.”

“Since 2021, we have continuously advocated for proper medical care, adequate nutrition, and species-appropriate environments for all four African elephants in Karachi,” it added. 

“This heartbreaking outcome underscores once again the urgent need for proper elephant management. Foot care, in particular, is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring the health and well-being of captive elephants under human care.”

The charity has sent KMC a detailed diet plan that includes essential minerals, vitamins, rice balls, electrolytes, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and green fodder, all of which needs to be implemented consistently to ensure the long-term health of the elephants, the charity added.

Despite the heartbreak over Sonia’s passing, Four Paws said it remained steadfast in its commitment to improving the welfare of the Karachi elephants. 

“Madhubala has stepped into the role of a big sister, providing strength and comfort to Malika. It is heartwarming to see them finding solace in each other,” the statement concluded.