A detailed medical report of four elephants brought to the Karachi zoo and Safari Park from Africa was submitted to the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The report, prepared by a team of four foreign veterinaries under the guidance of Dr Frank Gortez, reads that the medical examination of the elephants was conducted on November 28 and November 29 which showed that they were suffering from malnutrition. “Out of these four elephants, two had issues with their teeth and gums,” says the report and makes it clear that all of them need urgent medical treatment besides good and a healthy diet. “And if this much-needed treatment is not provided to them on time, these elephants may even die,” the report warns. 

The report also lays stress on the provision of a healthy environment to the animals 24/7. Apart from that it informs that feet-related diseases are one of the major causes of the deaths of elephants the world over. “Their ultrasound tests were also conducted which showed that they were suffering from obesity, and were still gaining weight. Similarly, two elephants are hemoglobin deficient. The nails of these elephants were also cut and their teeth were operated upon,” reads the report, and adds that despite all these measures, the animals are still in pain.

Justice Zafar Rajput remarked the court would give orders for the treatment of these elephants if requested by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). 

Counsel for the KMC, on the other hand, requested for a copy of the medical report so that the corporation heads could decide on providing treatment to the elephants.

Ordering the provision of a copy of the report to the KMC, the SHC adjourned the hearing of the case until January 13.

Reporter Bilal Ahmed