KARACHI: Sonia Hathi, a long-time resident of Safari Park, died suddenly last night. Geo News reported on Sunday.
Her lifeless body was found by park staff this morning.
Safari Park Director Syed Amjad Hussain Zaidi said that although a heart attack is suspected, the exact cause of Sonia’s death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem.
Addressing. Geo NewsZaidi said: “We got the news about Sonia at 6:30 in the morning, and we immediately reached here. Currently, we cannot determine the cause of death because obviously, it will be confirmed only after the post-mortem. .”
“We have preserved his body and put ice around it. The weather is cold, so we will be able to preserve his remains,” he added.
Mayor of Karachi Murtaza Wahab expressed his grief over the news of the creature’s death. He said, “I am saddened to hear about the death of Sonia the elephant in the safari park.
The mayor has ordered an inquiry into the incident and assured strict action if any negligence is found. Wahab also confirmed that a full post-mortem will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.
An autopsy is expected in two days under the supervision of Dr. Amir Khalil, director of project development at animal welfare organization Four Paws International.
Sonia’s body will remain in the safari park until the process is completed.
Previously named Sono, the tusk was mistaken for a male by the safari park for 12 years until the Four Paws test in 2021.
She was captured from the wild in Tanzania when she was very young along with three other female elephants.
Now, after Sonia’s death, there are only two elephants left in the safari park: Mallika and Madhubala.
Sonia’s death comes a few weeks after Madhubala’s transfer to Karachi Zoo and Safari Park.
This was done to provide Madhubala with a more natural environment and companion following the death of her long-time companion Noor Jahan at the zoo last year.
After Noor Jahan’s death, concerned animal experts suggested Madhubala be shifted to a safari park where she would have the companionship of two animals.