Zoo head Khalid Hashmi dismissed over negligence

Khalid Hashmi, the head of the zoo who has faced criticism over neglect that has led to the death of several animals, has been removed from his post over negligence.

According to a notification, Karachi Municipal Corporation's (KMC) Senior Director Hashmi was removed from his post for negligence in the case of the elephant Noor Jehan.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori had expressed his displeasure over Hashmi's absence during the elephant's operation earlier this week. Hashmi maintains that he had informed the KMC administrator regarding his mother's health due to which he had to stay away.

The zoo head has also faced criticism following allegations that food supplies to the zoo had been suspended after contractors claimed that officials were demanding kickbacks.

Relocation

The two African elephants, Noor Jehan and Madhubala, will soon be shifted to the Safari Park. A team of vets from Four Paws visited the park on Thursday to assess the enclosure and area dedicated for elephants. The team expressed their satisfaction and deemed it advisable to relocate the two elephants there.

They also brought mounds of mud to the sick elephant's cramped enclosure at the zoo. Previously, the cage did not have any soil.

The veterinarians also placed tires in the cage to allow the elephants to play and exercise.

Water was arranged in the pool to help the partially disabled Noor Jahan to exercise. These improvements have resulted in a better condition for the ailing animal, as her swelling has reduced, and she is taking food while trying to walk, the vets added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2023.