Lion cubs a major attraction at Lahore zoo

Facility director says all animals properly protected for winter

LAHORE: The years of 2015 and 2016 welcomed as many as 13 lion cubs in total to the Lahore Zoo, attracting a large number of visitors to the recreational facility. This was stated by Lahore Zoo Director Shafqat Ali on Thursday.

He said that the zoo’s administration was committed to providing a better environment to the 117 species and 11,000 animals that reside at the park. Apart from the lions, the director said that offspring of many other animals were being cared for at the facility.



“We are getting better results even though we have nonqualified, but skilled staff,” he added. He said dozens of newborn mammals, reptiles and birds were added to the zoo due to better pairing and the creation of a conducive nursing environment with the support of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

“The Lahore zoo received Rs600,000 by selling animals and birds.” He said Rs25 million from its own resources were allocated for the purchase of new species in 2016-17, while the government would also provide Rs140 million for the same purpose. He said empty cages for giraffe, the houbara bustard and other rare animals would be filled again soon.



He said all staff members were working hard to provide a proper environment to the animals and birds, In November, he said the zoo authorities took it upon themselves to keep the animals cozy during after the dip in temperature. The director said officials provided blankets, straw beds and vitamins for the zoo inhabitants.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2017.