The zoo administration must take all the mandatory measures to revamp the living conditions of animals
LAHORE: In Pakistan, zoos are not safe havens for animals as they are deprived of not only their natural habitat but also of healthy food. The main purpose of zoos is not only to earn revenues from visitors but also give the animals they host an environment close enough to their natural habitats. But such is definitely not the case in zoos throughout the country.
The sudden death of the 31-year-old female elephant Suzi, the famous attraction at the Lahore Zoo, has raised many questions about the zoo administration. Brought to the zoo at the age of six, she never experienced the pleasure of living in harmony with her own species. Many a time, visitors also bemoaned the unhygienic condition of the zoo that has, in fact, often caused several diseases amongst animals. Some animals also seem to be malnourished.
Despite having funds, the administration is not utilising them efficiently. And what’s appalling is that the government and the departments concerned are not taking the measures they need to take to cope with this situation. Instead of conserving wildlife, the zoo administration is pushing them to the point of extermination.
The primary purpose of zoos is to protect animals, breed endangered species and eventually, reintroduce them in the wild. Moreover, it also plays a pivotal role in teaching visitors, students and researchers about the importance of conservation. Thus, the zoo administration must take all the mandatory measures to revamp the living conditions of animals, especially at a time when the temperatures are soaring.
Haider Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2017.
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