Pythons, hawks and others mingle on wildlife day

UN World Wildlife Day at Lahore Zoo was attended by a large number of university students

LAHORE: Whether it was feathered friends like hawks or the more slithery python, the Lahore Zoo displayed a variety of animals on UN World Wildlife Day as students of universities captured the beasts on canvas.

The event was held in collaboration with the University of Health Sciences and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences on Friday.

There was a special focus on conserving wildlife and the importance of species in preserving nature.



The international theme for 2017 was Listen to the Young Voices, whereas Pakistan added the additional Bird Watching Day 2017.

The attendance of the general public was thin, but a large number of students from different universities were in attendance.



Talking to the media, Zoo Director Shafqat Ali said World Wildlife Day was to remind us of our responsibilities to the world. He added the theme of Listen to the Young Voices was aimed at increasing the youth’s engagement to endangered wildlife.

“As almost one-quarter of the world’s population is aged between 10 and 24, the youth is the driving force behind change,” Shafqat Ali stressed.

A special session was also organised at the University of Health and Sciences (UHS).

A girl holds a falcon. PHOTO: ONLINE

Addressing the participants, UHS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Junaid sarfraz Khan said the day aimed to highlight the incredible numbers of birds and other animals being lost each year due to poaching, loss of habitat or illegal trade. “These activities are totally unsustainable and are leading to common species being threatened by extinction,” the UHS VC stressed.

A drawing competition was also organised among varsity staff and students on the occasion. Colourful posters and banners were also displayed on campus to highlight the importance of wildlife. The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore also observed World Wildlife Day.

UVAS Vice-Chancellor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha led the walk starting from in front of his office and it ended at the Pet Centre Aviary.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2017.