A female elephant at the Karachi Zoo is suffering from a joint and bone disease. Noor Jahan developed the condition two and a half months ago. The disease has progressed leaving her leaving her hind limbs partially paralyzed.
Karachi zookeepers discovered the problem when they noticed Noor Jehan wasn’t moving one of her hind legs.
The zoo’s vet said that the elephant has been under treatment for joint pain and her posture and movement had improved over time. He said that they have consulted German experts for the elephant’s treatment.
According to a Dawn report, a foreign expert from the animal welfare organization, Four Paws, has agreed to visit the zoo in March to examine the ailing elephant.
“Joint pains are a common problem among captive elephants and there is nothing to worry about. The medicines prescribed by the foreign experts are only anti-inflammatory drugs and we would enhance our treatment and management efforts once the expert is here,” the report quoted the Zoo veterinarian as saying.
Noor Jehan lives with another African female elephant named Madubala.
Both elephants underwent major surgeries for chronic tusk infections last year. A Four Paws team performed the surgeries on orders of the Sindh High Court, which was petitioned by a group of concerned citizens.
Earlier this month, a golden tabby tiger died at the Karachi Zoo.