The residents of Rawalpindi are delighted on arrival of new animals at the sprawling national park of the garrison city.
Some 44 new wild animals have been moved to Jungle World of Ayub National Park from Islamabad Zoo. The Army Heritage Foundation (AHF) has been assigned the responsibility to look after the animals.
The new additions include five zebras, four nilgais, three wolfs, seven monkeys, four wild buffaloes, 17 rare rabbits and four urials.
While the animals looked fresh and active in their new enclosures, more are expected to be transferred in coming days. However, the Islamabad Zoo bears a deserted look with empty cages.
There was rush of visitors to see the arrivals from Islamabad to Rawalpindi. Youth and children were seen taking photographs and filming videos of the zoo animals rescued from the federal capital.
A visiting girl, Syeda Abiha, told The Express Tribune that she earlier had to go Islamabad to see these animals but they were now in her city.
Another little visitor said that he really enjoyed seeing zebra, tiger, monkeys, and other animals.
In this regard, AHF Director General (DG) Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Asif Akhtar said that they had completed all arrangements for taking care of the animals. He added that the veterinarians have also been hired to check up the animals regularly.
Further, DG said that they would plant some 0.25 million saplings, along with planting 10,000 daily, in the Ayub National Park to increase its green cover.
He added foundation was working to preserve history along with promoting sports and recreational activities.
The official said that the number of ponds in the park has been increased to four to hold the rainwater and help in irrigation.
Akhtar said that they were endeavouring to organise a practice match of the Zimbabwe Cricket Team at the Jungle Kingdom during its upcoming tour to Pakistan at the park.
He said that the snake house in the park that was closed due to coronavirus lockdown to prevent mass gathering, would also be reopened soon.
The relocation of animals from Islamabad Zoo follows Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders to close the facility as the management was unable to take proper care of the zoo inmates.
IHC had ordered relocation of the Islamabad Zoo animals to sanctuaries, however, during the process two lions were killed due to mismanagement of the zoo officials. Moreover, the authorities concerned have yet to find a sanctuary for two bears suffering neglect and maltreatment at the Islamabad Zoo.
In July, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah had issued a three-page order stating that on May 21, the court had declared that all animals had been confined at the Islamabad Zoo illegally and that the conditions of their incarceration amounted to subjecting these living beings to unnecessary pain and suffering.
Moreover, the chief justice had said that the minister in charge of the Climate Change Ministry and members of the Islamabad Wildlife Board (IWMB) would be jointly and severally liable for the welfare and wellbeing of each animal at the zoo until their relocation to a sanctuary.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 27th, 2020.
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