The pandemic did not merely take a toll on the fortunes of the Lahore Zoo, but it also shattered the dreams of certain valuable wild animals and birds, who are waiting to be reunited with their mates.
Within the confines of their cages, these wild animals have been living alone since years. The Lahore Zoo has about 1,200 wild animals and birds of around 107 species.
However, the African hippopotamus, the white rhinoceros and the cassowary are rare species that have been living alone for many years and there is not a single partner available for them in any of the zoos across the country.
Earlier, these animals had their mates, but their solitude began after the death of their companions at different time periods.
Deputy Director of the Lahore Zoo Kiran Saleem said the female hippopotamus was brought to the zoo in 2006 at the age of six. “Her male companion died in 2014 at the age of 52.”
Similarly, the female of the white rhinoceros died in 2015, she revealed.
The African rhinoceros is a quite rare species and is considered endangered in the world, said Saleem.
Commenting on the unique wild bird cassowary, Kiran Saleem said that it is the oldest inhabitant of the Lahore Zoo.
“When the zoo was opened there were two males and one female. However, one of them died in a fight, while the other was shifted to Bahawalpur Zoo in 1980.
He has been living alone for the last 31 years.”
Read Fostering wildlife : Lahore Zoo on track with animal care
Describing the bird, Saleem said that the cassowary lays a blue-coloured egg, and has sharp nails to protect itself against an attack.
“The beautiful crown on its head makes it unique from other birds.”
According to the Lahore Zoo officials, a programme was started to ensure that pairs of rare breeds of animals and birds are complete.
In the past, one male hippopotamus and one female white rhino were to be imported. In this regard, a work permit was issued in 2018 that was later extended, but these animals could not get imported within the stipulated period.
After the coronavirus began, a ban was placed on the import and export of wild animals nationally and internationally.
When approached, officials said there is an international ban on elephant imports, but the Ministry of Climate Change has banned the import of other animals also.
According to sources, the Lahore Zoo Management Committee has decided to withdraw the work permit related to the import of white rhinoceros and hippopotamus.
When the coronavirus-related restrictions are lifted, the import of these animals will be mulled over again, said sources.
At present, the price of a rhinoceros is about Rs150 million while a hippopotamus is worth Rs120 million.
On the other hand, citizens who had come to Lahore Zoo for entertainment demanded that the government should ensure that these rare species have their mates so their existence isn’t extinguished.
Khadija, a student at a local university, said: “We have not forgotten the elephant Suzi that died in 2017. Now if something happens to the rhinoceros and the hippopotamus, then we will be able to see it only in pictures and videos.
Therefore, the government should immediately import the animals if there isn’t an international ban.”
Muhammad Daud, a citizen, expressed his view that lonely animals get old and sick prematurely.
“It is against the laws of nature to keep them single. Just as the elephant of Islamabad zoo went mad by being alone, we are afraid that this may happen to these animals.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 28th, 2021.
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