Zoos should not be allowed to operate because they contribute more to the destruction of wildlife and bio-diversity
ISLAMABAD: Transferring animals from the wild i to closed compounds with the promise of controlled living conditions, food and other facilities is what zoos aim to provide. There is, however, no comparison between an animal’s natural habitat and those artificially created in cages, zoos and other animal facilities especially in Pakistan where there are extreme lack of resources and a seeming lack of compassion. In Pakistan, animals are caged and suffer in extreme weather conditions, with either no facilities to cool them, or such facilities being off due to load shedding. Certain compounds were not equipped to cater to the requirements of animals. In Pakistan, the image of a healthy zoo is far from reality, with visiting children expressing concerns over the ill-treatment of animals. It is very unfortunate that the government never takes any action regarding this serous matter. The poor animals in the zoos are being tortured and caged only for the purpose of entertainment for the public, which is inhumane. One of the main issues inside these zoos is sanitation. The zoo industry is not only treating animals in an inhumane manner but the facilities are unhygienic, which not only affects the health of the animals caged but also affects those that are visiting. These zoos are in dire need to shut down. They should not be allowed to operate because they contribute more to the destruction of wildlife and bio-diversity, rather than help them. The more the truth about this horrific torture on animals is spread, and the greater the international awareness it gets, the chances of rescuing these animals and putting an end to places that exploit life for money increase drastically.
Hadia Aziz
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2020.
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