Lahore Zoo closed for renovation
Lahore Zoo and Safari Zoo have been closed for renovations, with some animals transferred to other zoos in the province. Various methods were adopted for the transfer of rare animals, including sedation, in which case the slightest carelessness can be dangerous for the animal.
The revamping of Lahore Zoo and Safari Zoo was ordered by the Punjab Caretaker Government. Before the start of work, wild animals and birds were shifted from Lahore Zoo to other facilities in Punjab. Lahore Zoo houses a total of 1,100 animals and birds.
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Lahore Zoo Deputy Director Kiran Saleem said that the safe relocation of animals and birds was their most important and difficult task. She elaborated that three Bengal white tigers, two Bengal brown tigers, two peacocks, two emu, three Punjab urials and dozens of pheasants, peacocks and other birds have been transferred to the Wildlife Park. Similarly, 11 nilgais, 17 Mufflin sheep, five sambar deer, 15 black deer and 24 hog deer have been sent to Changa Manga Wildlife Park.
On the instructions of the Animal Shifting Committee, seven African tigers, three African white lions, one wolf, one hyena and one leopard have been shifted to Bahawalpur Zoo. An African lion has been sent to DG Khan Zoo and similarly, three crocodiles, 15 hog deer and 8 pheasants have been transferred to the Wildlife Breeding Center.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 16th, 2023.