Lahore Safari: nature at large

LAHORE: As many as 600,000 people visit the Lahore Safari Zoo to witness its popular lion safari. The distinguishing feature of the attraction rests with its 35 subspecies of African lions.

The safari located on main Raiwand road has 35 lions of African descent brought in 1982 whereas Royal Bengal Tiger, cheetah and puma have also been kept in the zoo.

Lahore safari zoo is the first safari park in Punjab that hosts animals and birds in open enclosures.

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The Zoo’s Veterinary Officer Dr Madiha told The Express Tribune that there are 11 lions and 24 lionesses in the safari, out of which two lionesses are albino.

“The safari has the largest number of big cats in the country,” she claimed.

She also said the safari boasts a streak of Royal Bengal Tigers including two males and two females, a pair each of albino tigers, albino pumas and black jaguars. Tourists not only enjoy the sight of animals but also revel in the experience with birds in the largest aviary of the province. The sanctuary houses several birds including peacocks, pheasants and macaws.

A tourist, Rana Mubashir Hasan, complained that the children are tired of the “same old animals”.

The Wildlife Deputy Director Chaudhry Shafqat Ali said, “Unlike other wildlife parks and zoos, we keep animals of different species that can coexist together.”

He explained that the animals are kept together to replicate the jungle environment to ensure their wellbeing and health. “The visitors are asked to board a special vehicle to enjoy the lion safari to protect them from any possible attack,” adding, “Private vehicles are banned inside owing to the previous attempts by people to take photographs and videos of lions.”

The Deputy Director revealed that a budget of nearly Rs80 million is allocated for the Lahore Safari Zoo.

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“Half of the budget is used to pay salaries of the employees while the rest is utilized to ensure the provision of food and proper upkeep of birds and animals.”

“Another distinctive feature of the Safari Zoo is our rehabilitation center for disabled wild animals. We have a pair of Sambar and Hog Deer each that are undergoing treatment in our center,” he said. In the past, Punjab government had announced the implementation of night safari project which did not materialise due to lack of funds. Moreover, purchase of new animals and birds is also pending.

The artificial lake is another great attraction site inside the premises. People can row alongside ducks and other aquatic birds to relish the beauty of nature.

Children can enjoy electric rides or even ride ponies and camels for a wholesome experience. “The safari is located far away from the city but it is quite a revitalizing attraction for everybody,” Maheen Amir, another tourist visiting the zoo with her family, said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2020.