Animal welfare group says bacterial infection killed Sonia the elephant in Pakistan
A veterinarian with a global animal welfare organization says Pakistani veterinary surgeons found that a bacterial infection killed an elephant at a safari park in the city of Karachi earlier this month
By MUNIR AHMED
Published - Dec 18, 2024, 03:55 AM ET
Last Updated - Dec 18, 2024, 03:55 AM EST
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani veterinary surgeons found that a bacterial infection killed an elephant at a safari park in the city of Karachi earlier this month, a veterinarian with a global animal welfare organization said Wednesday.
Dr. Amir Khalil with the Vienna-based Four Paws told The Associated the infection spread through 19-year-old Sonia’s body from her foot, leading to her death.
“We are very sad for Sonia,” he said, raising concerns about how Pakistani authorities handle animals.
Four Paws said in a statement the autopsy was conducted last week and that Sonia's death showed neglect on part of local authorities who had earlier said a heart attack may have been the cause of death.
