Officers lock horns over zoo control

Axed director refuses to relinquish charge; new one breaks lock occupies room

KARACHI:

It was high drama at Karachi Zoo with officials running confused who to listen to…the axed director or the new one, while locks were broken and security deployed to prevent 'unauthorised persons' from entering the premises.

The recently removed director of Karachi Zoo Khalid Hashmi had refused to vacate his office prompting his replacement to break the locks of his office to assume charge.

Hashmi was sent packing on complaints of maltreatment of animals, ignoring their health issues and not providing enough food.

Karachi Administrator Saifur Rahman had directed Safari Park Director Kanwar Ayub to take additional charge of Karachi Zoo director ­ a Grade-19 position.

On Tuesday morning, Ayub reached the zoo and found the office locked. He asked for the keys, which were not provided by the peons concerned, sources said.

Ayub conveyed the matter to the Karachi administrator who gave him permission to break the lock of the office and assume the charge.

The new director ordered stepped up security at the zoo, banning entry of unauthorised people, including Hashmi.

According to officials, Ayub informed senior officials about the situation and reported the controversy to both the Karachi Municipal commissioner and KMC administrator.

In recent years, the Karachi Zoo has been the centre of multiple complaints concerning animals' welfare and the poor facilities offered at the facility, which has triggered calls for an overhaul of the management system.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2023.