KARACHI: (HRNW) International vets “nearly lost” a 17-year-old elephant here on Wednesday after knocking her out to perform diagnostic tests, but they now hope to treat multiple issues that have left her crippled for months.
Noor Jehan has been barely able to walk around her enclosure at Karachi Zoo because of a huge growth between her back legs, sparking concern from keepers and visitors.
A team of veterinarians and wildlife experts from Four Paws International intervened after images of the ailing African elephant were shared across social media.
“We nearly lost Noor Jehan when we gave the sedative,” veterinarian Amir Khalil told reporters after the jumbo diagnosis.
“It was a risky procedure.”
A huge crane was deployed on Wednesday to lift the 3.5-ton pachyderm after she had been tranquillized.
Ultrasound and other tests suggest Noor Jehan has a huge hematoma inside her abdomen, as well as issues with her intestines.
“It is clear Noor Jehan is in serious pain and suffering,” Khalil said.
“There is a treatment for this… it needs some luck and it needs a lot of work in coming days.”