People throng to zoo as news of new bears spreads

Pair of male and female bears of different origins was welcomed on Thursday

KARACHI: Calling the pair of bears names such as ‘Bubloo’, ‘Gubloo’, ‘Motoo’ and ‘Bear Bear’, children at Karachi Zoological Gardens were more than happy on Friday.

After 16 years, the zoo welcomed a pair of bears – one male, of South Asian origin, and one female, of Syrian origin – on Thursday. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR

After 16 years, the zoo welcomed a pair of bears – one male, of South Asian origin, and one female, of Syrian origin – on Thursday. As the news spread about the new guests, a large number of people flocked to the zoo the next day.

According to deputy director of the zoo, Abida Raees, she was not expecting such a huge crowd at the zoo right after Friday prayers. However, she added, it was more than satisfactory to watch the children enjoying after the addition of the new members to the zoo.



As the news spread about the new guests, a large number of people flocked to the zoo the next day. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR

Raees added that usually bears take a little time to adjust in the new environment and they should be left alone. But then, who can stop these children from having fun with their favourite animal, she remarked, adding that these children do not find bears anywhere except the zoo.

Sharing details about the new animals, she added that both of them are 15 years old. The female one has been brought from Syria while the male bear is local and is commonly known as ‘South Asian bear’.

They are fed fruits and vegetables. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR

They are fed fruits and vegetables, said Raees. Moreover, we have to ensure that they remain hydrated all the time during summers, she added.



The bears seemed a little reluctant to interact in the beginning. However, when fruits and vegetables were served to them, their hesitation turned into joy and the children also screamed out of fun.

“I had so many stuffed bear toys at home but had always wanted to see a real one,” said Sarim Ikhlaq, 11. “Therefore, I requested my mother to take me to the zoo after school today.”

The bears seemed a little reluctant to interact in the beginning. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR

Muhammad Ammar, 12, was carrying fruits and vegetables in a plastic bag. He told The Express Tribune that he had learnt at school about the diet of bears. “Therefore, I had brought these fruits and vegetables for them as a present,” he said, adding that he was bored of seeing the lion and tiger again and again. “Watching two fat bears is fun.”



Meanwhile, Mrs Qamar Awan who had come to zoo along with her kids told The Express Tribune that there are not many entertainment spots in the city except a few. She added that for young children, zoo is a favourite. The zoo authorities should also focus on improving cleanliness, she said, pointing towards the wrappers and packs of juices that were lying in some cages, which could prove hazardous for animals.