A zoo in Peshawar

Spend some time with nature and you will find the purpose of living.

The foundation for the first-ever zoo in Peshawar was laid by the chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa last week with the aim to provide better recreational facilities to the city. The initiative is truly laudable as it is of utmost importance to take the traumatised people of militancy-stricken Peshawar out of depression and provide them with a means of revitalising themselves.

People in our country need to realise the importance of zoos and wildlife parks, especially those citizens living in the urban areas of Pakistan. Such establishments can play a significant educational role, as important issues related to nature, climate change and animal rights can be highlighted through them.

Our younger generations have little knowledge about animals. The kind of regimented lives we lead means that we mostly see animals on television, and seeing them in real life can be a different, enlightening experience.

Many believe that zoos restrict the open and free lives of animals, but perhaps that is still a better fate than being killed by a hunter or being eaten alive by predators. If properly managed, zoos can provide proper care to animals, especially if their artificial environment is tailored in a way that suits their nature best.

Animal extinction is a matter often overlooked but it is perhaps one of the most common topics of discussion when referring to the environment. The establishment of zoos can be an important way through which rare species of animals can be protected from extinction.

From deforestation at a massive scale to hunting and pollution — humans are literally driving animals away from their natural habitats, making them vulnerable to attack or death by non-adaptability. It is time the city of Peshawar became a collaborator in protecting animals from going extinct by conserving them in the best possible way. Hopefully, the city’s first-ever zoo will help achieve this aim.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th,  2016.