Officials told to expedite renovation of Dera Ghazi Khan Zoo

Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department DG has allocated Rs1 million for this purpose

DERA GHAZI KHAN: Taking notice of the recent report published by The Express Tribune on deplorable conditions at the Dera Ghazi Khan Zoo, Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department Director General Sohail Ashraf ordered officials to restore defunct fountains and shift more animals to the facility.

Reportedly, the director general has directed Deputy Director Khursheed Azam Qaisarani and the assistant director to expedite the process of restoring the fountains and maintain lakes and pools for animals.

In this regard, work on restoring the barricades and cages around the enclosures have begun while the facilities’ walls are also being painted. The director general has allocated Rs1 million for this purpose and has directed the deputy director to forward a report in this regard.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Deputy Director Khurshid Azam Qaisrani stated that on the directions of the wildlife department director general, construction work has been initiated on an immediate basis. “Rides and swings for children have also been made operational after completing the necessary repair work,” he said.

Moreover, the aquarium and the snake enclosure are set to reopen soon while a pair of zebras, bears and other animals will also be shifted to Dera Ghazi Khan from different zoos and wildlife parks across the province.

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After approval is awarded from the authorities concerned, the large pool at the zoo will be converted into an area designated for crocodiles and at least six such animals will be transferred to this enclosure. He maintained that Ashraf has directed to bring the facility at par with other zoos across the country.

Meanwhile, citizens visiting the zoo expressed their joy over the restoration of the zoo and demanded that officials bring in more animals to entertain locals.

The recreational spot was established 18 years ago during the tenure of former chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and initially dubbed a wildlife park. It was later upgraded to a zoo after eight years.

Reportedly, the zoo was in shambles due to the apathy and negligence of the officials concerned. A number of animals, including a lioness, two cubs, two blue bulls and houbara bustard had died. Many other animals are also suffering from different diseases.

Further, the railings and barricades of animal cages are broken, while a pungent odour was emanating from the polluted pond for aquatic birds.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2019.