Varsity adopts Rosie the leopard cub

She was born at Lahore Zoo on July 24

LAHORE: The University of the Punjab adopted a three-month-old leopard cub at the Lahore Zoo on Wednesday.

Dozens of students from the university and faculty were present for a ceremony arranged in this regard.



Addressing the participants, Wildlife and Parks Director General Khalid Ayaz Khan said such ventures should be appreciated.

He said the leopard, named Rosie by zookeepers, was born on July 24. He said the leopard was found in forests with cover of deciduous or coniferous trees.

He said Rosie was among four leopards housed at the zoo.



He said two males, found in Pakistan were rehabilitated in 2009 and 2014. He said two others were brought from Africa to mate with them.

He said the leopard was a protected species in Pakistan.

PU Vice Chancellor Mujahid Kamran said steps for conservation of wildlife would be effective only if there was greater awareness on animal rights.



He said the university had adopted the cub for a year.

“We paid the zoo Rs200,000, which covers expenses for the cub’s food,” he said.

Recently actress Babra Sharif adopted a lion cub at the zoo.  The zoo has encouraged animal adoption to raise awareness on wildlife.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2015.