SHC seeks report on plight of elephants in Zoo, Safari Park

Court was informed that elephants are obese and suffer from dental, diet problems

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought a copy of the report on the petition regarding four African elephants kept in the Karachi Zoo and Safari Park.

A detailed report prepared by German Dr. Frank Gortz was presented in the court. The report said that the elephants kept at Karachi Zoo and Safari Park were examined on November 28 and 29. Both elephants in the safari park have food problems while the two elephants kept at Karachi Zoo have dental and gum problems.

All the four elephants are in urgent need of medical attention and good healthy food. Elephants' lives could be in danger if treatment is delayed. All elephants should be given a good permanent environment and routine treatment along with basic medical check-ups.

The team examining the elephants consisted of four international doctors and specialists. Elephants' bodies, diet and feet have been examined. Foot pain is one of the leading causes of death for elephants worldwide.

Ultrasounds of four elephants have also been done. Elephants are obese and have gained weight. Hemoglobin of two elephants kept in Karachi Zoo is low. Eleven years later, ultrasound revealed that an elephant namely Sonu was not a male but a female. Elephants have had their nails trimmed and have undergone dental surgery. The elephants are still in pain.

Justice Zafar Rajput remarked that the diagnosis has been made, therefore, the court should be informed how the treatment will be carried out.

The KMC's counsel said that the elephants were being taken care of as much as possible. However, the NGO's counsel argued that adequate treatment facilities were not available. “If KMC consults us, we can provide treatment.”

The court remarked, "Do you want these elephants to be sent to Cambodia like Kavan? If KMC requests treatment, the court will issue an order.

The KMC's counsel requested for provision of a copy of the detailed report. “We will review it and make a decision,” the counsel argued.

Read More: Khushab’s safari park in disrepair

The court directed to provide a copy of the report and adjourned the hearing till January 13.

Missing children

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered immediate recovery of missing children. Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto presided over the hearing on petitions for recovery of missing children.

The court inquired as to where the missing children were. “What are the police doing?” the court remarked.

A JIT has been set up in connection with the missing Saima, police officials said. According to the JIT report, the missing girl Saima got married of her choice. “Proceedings for other missing children are ongoing,” the police officials told the court.

Justice Phulpoto remarked that immediate steps should be taken for the recovery of missing children. “Children have been missing for many years. No one knows where they are,” he observed.

The petitioner’s counsel stated that a container full of children was seized from Balochistan a day earlier. “The children were being trafficked out of the country in this container. Zainab Alert Bill is also not being implemented,” the counsel contended. The court ordered immediate recovery of the missing children.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2021.