Wildlife dept rescues over 14,000 animals, birds

In 2024, Punjab Wildlife Department recovered over 14,000 wild animals, cracking down on illegal wildlife

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LAHORE:

In a landmark achievement during 2024, the Punjab Wildlife Department conducted an extensive operation against violations of the Wildlife Act, recovering over 14,000 wild animals and birds. The crackdown targeted the illegal keeping, hunting, and trade of wildlife across the province.

Under the leadership of Director General Wildlife Department, Mudassar Riaz Malik, the department pursued violators aggressively, issuing challans to around 900 offenders and imposing fines exceeding Rs. 15 million. The DG personally supervised several operations, leading to the rescue of animals and birds protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife Act.

A total of 14,073 wild animals and birds were recovered. Many of the rescued species were rare and included black bears, monkeys, langurs, civet cats, wolves, hyenas, nilgai, chinkaras, para deer, pangolins, tigers, lions, turtles, and various bird species like parrots, pheasants, chakors, partridges, cranes, and falcons.

Some animals were released back into their natural habitats, while others were relocated to Wildlife Park Breeding Centers and zoos managed by the department for conservation and breeding purposes. Key projects completed in 2024 included, reconstruction and upgrade of Safari Zoo and Lahore Zoo to international standards, approval of a Wildlife Rescue Force and rehabilitation centres, master planning of Changa Manga and Lal Suhanra National Park and establishment of a state-of-the-art hospital in Safari Zoo and a 3D theater for educational purposes.

Other initiatives included the promotion of ecotourism, a Wildlife Resources Management System, and modern office automation.