Repairs under way at Jallo Park’s bear enclosure

Work continues to install a pool in the cage to provide the animals relief from the blazing heat

LAHORE: The Punjab Wildlife Department has begun construction work at the bear enclosure at Jallo Forest and Wildlife Park. Preparations for installing a small pool are also under way.

Lahore Zoo Director Hasan Ali Sukhera has been given the responsibility of carrying out the necessary construction at the bear enclosure. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Sukhera said that Jallo Forest and Widlife Park is a large and expansive facility.

The park has many large enclosures for birds and animals. However, the cage for the bear is very old, he said. He added that in this regard, they have provided the animals with a shaded area and have also made arrangements for water.

Reportedly, the bear enclosure, which houses two animals, has been a staple attraction at the park for the past several years. However, a recent social media post pointed out the less than satisfactory arrangements for the bears that were directly exposed to the scorching sun.



In addition to the lack of a shaded area for the bears, the post also highlighted that there was no food and water in sight for the animals. The green awning which was supposed to provide some protection from the sun was also long gone.

The post claimed that bears were also not being given regular showers. It added that when the issue was brought to the attention of the assistant director of the facility, he had asked for some time to make adequate arrangements. However, four months later the situation remained unchanged.

Taking notice of the issue, on Monday Punjab Chief Secretary Yousuf Naseem Khokar sought a report from the Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department secretary. He ordered that necessary repairs should be completed at the enclosures as soon as possible.

He also issued instructions regarding improving facilities at Jallo Forest and Wildlife Park. Currently, a shade has been installed at the enclosure and the cage has been painted. Further work is under way to install a small pool in the enclosure to provide the animals relief from the blazing heat.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2019.