Noor Jehan's condition worsens at Karachi Zoo.

KARACHI -- The condition of Noor Jehan - a 16-year-old elephant at the Karachi Zoo suffering from joint pain - is deteriorating and 'anything can happen to her at any time', sources told media.

According to the sources privy to the development, the zoo administration has kept Noor on painkillers, after which various organs of the elephant have become infected. Reportedly, due to pain in her bones, Noor is unable to walk. the drugs given to reduce the swelling of her joints have aggravated the state of her knees.

The sources further said the zoo was previously advised by international organisations to keep the elephants in the open spaces, after which Karachi Zoo Senior Director Khalid Hashmi wrote a letter instructing that the elephants be shifted to Safari Park. So far, Noor has not been transferred to Safari Park.

Hashmi, when asked about the matter, said: "The health of the elephant is not that bad. Noor Jehan's tests have been done and efforts are being made to improve his health through medicines. Her medicines are imported from abroad, which costs more."

Media also contacted a representative of Four Paws - an international animal welfare organisation - who said that he is aware of Noor Jehan's condition.

The representative said a plan of action will be decided as soon as the report is compiled, while nothing could be said definitively about when they will visit the Karachi Zoo.

Karachi Zoo Zoologist Dr Amir Rizvi could not be reached for comment.

In other news, companies that supply food to the animals at the Karachi Zoo have alleged that Hashmi and the former director Raza Abbas Rizvi are demanding money for the clearance of their outstanding bills.

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