Citizens slam CDA’s zoo revival bid

Citizens and experts expressed their concern about the Capital Development Authority (CDA) moving to re-establish the Islamabad zoo in what they believe is a violation of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict, in a meaningful discussion held on an online forum.

Their main objection was that in the absence of technical and financial capacity to regain the land required to establish a proper zoo facility, the CDA would attempt to keep the zoo animals caged in improper conditions, which they described as “the worst form of cruelty”.

The online discussion was organised by Development Communications Network (Devcom) Pakistan and DTN on Saturday afternoon.

During the discussion, the well-known biodiversity expert, Zahid Baig Mirza said, “The CDA cannot fool the cabinet to take a favourable decision on its summary in the presence of IHC verdict that had asked to end the cruelty against animals, and free the animals in their habitats”.

“The CDA’s attempt to re-establish the zoo in Islamabad by grabbing the land is a ‘mischievous’ act by the officials. They know they cannot do it except by misguiding the Federal Cabinet, but the biodiversity lovers will not support any uncalled-for decision by the CDA Board or the Federal Cabinet.”

Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) chairperson, Rina Saeed Khan, was of the view that the reopening of Islamabad Zoo should not be included in the agenda of the cabinet meeting without thoroughly consulting law and climate change ministries.

The now-closed Islamabad Zoo was handed over to Islamabad Wildlife Management Board in July 2019 by the Federal Cabinet by the IHC’s orders which were given following the deaths of almost all animals inside the old zoo.

She said, “In 2020 when the Islamabad Zoo was shut down by the landmark judgment of the IHC, the IWMB converted the site into the only wildlife rescue centre of its kind in Pakistan, helping all species of wild animals in distress.”

Since its formal inception in 2021, the centre has successfully rescued and rehabilitated approximately 381 animals. IWMB rescues orphaned and injured wildlife to implement the IHC order the specifically states that “No animal (shall be) treated in a manner that subjects it to unnecessary pain and suffering”.

Another senior biodiversity expert, Dr Ejaz Ahmed said, “Though zoos play an important role in education and awareness regarding different species and their behaviour, it is only the case if animals are kept with care.”

“But we have seen that due to poor management and lack of care, the majority of species are depressed and kept in a very unhygienic environment, which results in poor health conditions and abnormal behaviour in animals,” he explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2024.