Archive · 22 May 2025
Pakistani Elephants Receive TB Treatment with 400 Pills Daily
Two elephants in Pakistan, named Madhubala and Malika, are getting treated for tuberculosis.
They are being given about 400 pills a day, the same medicine people take.
The pills are hidden in tasty treats like fruit and sweets, because the medicine is bitter.
A vet from Sri Lanka is helping, and the team is making sure the elephants are comfortable.
This treatment is challenging, as elephants can get the disease from humans.
The Karachi Safari Park is hoping for a successful treatment, despite criticism of animal treatment there.
Two elephants at Karachi Safari Park are being treated for tuberculosis.
The elephants receive at least 400 pills a day, the same medication as humans.
Tablets are hidden in food like apples and bananas to make it easier to take.
The treatment is overseen by a veterinary surgeon from Sri Lanka.
One of the elephants died from TB previously; the current treatment is year-long.
- Who
- Veterinary staff and mahouts at Karachi Safari Park, including Dr. Buddhika Bandara, are treating two elephants, Madhubala and Malika.
- What
- A team is administering 400 pills daily to two elephants with TB, the same medication used for humans, hidden in food.
- When
- The treatment began after tests confirmed tuberculosis in Madhubala and Malika.
- Where
- Karachi Safari Park in Pakistan.
- Why
- To treat Madhubala and Malika, two elephants, for tuberculosis.
Optimism for Elephants
Criticism of Karachi Safari Park
Animal Treatment
Optimism for Elephants
The Karachi Safari Park is hopeful for its elephants.
Criticism of Karachi Safari Park
Karachi Safari Park has been criticized for the mistreatment of captive animals.
- Elephant Weight
- 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds)
- Medication
- At least 400 pills per day
- Elephants' Names
- Madhubala and Malika
- Origin of Elephants
- Captured in Tanzania
- Previous Elephant Death
- Noor Jehan, died of TB in 2023
- Year Treatment Plan
- One year