Hand-feeding wildlife 'harmful'

Experts warn human food for animals, birds may affect their health, hunting habits

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LAHORE:

Across the country, a growing number of well-meaning individuals are feeding stray cats, birds, and wild animals wherever they find them, offering whatever food they have on hand. But wildlife experts warn that this act of charity may be doing more harm than good.

Animals in the wild — and even those in captivity — are best suited to the food found in their natural habitats, veterinary experts told The Express Tribune. Human food, they added, can disrupt their diets, weaken their ability to forage or hunt, and expose them to disease.

In northern tourist areas and urban centers such as Lahore, the growing trend of feeding wild animals — from monkeys and pigeons to cheetahs and eagles — is raising alarms among conservationists. While many do so to capture memorable photos or as a charitable gesture, experts caution that the practice could have long-term consequences for animal health and behavior.

In regions like Galiyat, wild monkeys have learned to snatch food from visitors, while in Lahore, locals routinely leave millet and water trays for birds outside their homes. Even predatory birds, such as eagles, have been observed scavenging near busy roads like Canal Road and the Ravi River Bridge, drawn by the easy availability of human-provided food.

Dr Zulfiqar Ali, a professor at the Institute of Zoology at the University of Punjab, said wild animals have survived for centuries on what their natural habitats provide. "These creatures are accustomed to the food nature offers. Human food—burgers, chips, bread, and processed snacks—fails to meet their nutritional needs and can lead to malnutrition, bone diseases, and other health issues," he said.

Fahad Malik, who heads a conservation group, said regular hand-feeding disrupts animals' natural instincts. "When animals become accustomed to being fed by people, they tend to abandon their natural hunting habits. This dependence can be dangerous, especially if the human-provided food suddenly stops. Moreover, animals that lose their natural fear of humans are more likely to come into conflict with people," he said.

Commenting on the practice, Dr Rizwan Khan, a senior veterinary officer at Punjab Wildlife, warned that feeding wild animals increases the risk of zoonotic diseases and accidental injuries. "Wild animals that have been conditioned to approach humans for food often wander near roads, which raises their chances of accidents. Their digestive systems are not designed for processed human food, putting them at a higher risk of disease," he said.