Experts raise alarm over elephants' deaths in zoos

Mismanagement cited as major factor in animal welfare decline

LAHORE:

Wildlife experts and ecologists have raised concerns over the untimely deaths of elephants in Pakistan, attributing the issue to the absence of trained mahouts and proper dietary plans.

Following the recent death of Sonia, an elephant at Karachi Safari Park, experts fear that plans to import elephants for Lahore Safari Zoo may face significant challenges.

Safwan Shahab Ahmed, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Wildlife Foundation and an ecologist, expressed regret over Sonia's death, highlighting a disturbing pattern of elephant fatalities in Lahore and Karachi zoos. He attributed these losses to the lack of professional handlers and inadequate nutrition.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Ahmed noted that Asian elephants have historically been used for various purposes, including exhibitions, transport, and warfare.

He emphasised the availability of skilled mahout families in countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, whose expertise could be sought to improve elephant care in Pakistan.

Ahmed outlined the nutritional requirements of elephants in captivity, emphasizing the importance of a specialised diet.

He explained that elephants need a mixture of millet, corn, barley, sesame, linseed, jaggery, and sugar syrup, prepared into a 10-kilogram roll that should be fed at least weekly during winters.

Additionally, elephants in the wild consume tree bark, which aids in dental health. The absence of such food in captivity often leads to dental issues, causing pain and discomfort.

"Most zoos neglect the dietary needs of elephants, which could be a major factor in their premature deaths," Ahmed lamented, adding that this oversight reflects poorly on the management of wildlife facilities in the country.

Experts have warned that international animal rights organisations may respond negatively to the recent deaths, potentially complicating efforts to bring elephants to Lahore Safari Zoo.

Fahad Malik of the Biodiversity Defenders Group underscored the need for modern zoo management practices to ensure animal welfare.

Malik criticised the mismanagement of zoos, citing the closure of Islamabad Zoo as a glaring example.

He noted that such failures not only harm animals but also provide opportunities for NGOs and other entities to exploit the situation for funding.

"Zoos should serve as centers for the conservation and breeding of rare species, not just as recreational facilities," Malik said. He stressed the need for improved care, proper nutrition, and enriched environments for zoo animals. Malik also called for turning zoos into research and educational hubs to foster awareness and protect endangered species.

The death of Sonia follows a series of similar tragedies. In 2017, Lahore Zoo's elephant Suzi died prematurely, followed by Noor Jahan at Karachi Zoo in March 2023. With Sonia's passing, only two elephants remain in government-run facilities in Pakistan, named Malka and Madubala. Islamabad Zoo's elephant Kawan was transferred abroad in 2020 after international outcry over its living conditions.

Experts have urged zoo administrations to collaborate with global organizations to adopt best practices and ensure the well-being of animals in captivity.