Wildlife dept rescues deer from floodwater

Seven deer saved as govt launches operation for animals across province

LAHORE:

As floods ravage Punjab, displacing families and destroying livelihoods, the rising waters have also endangered wildlife.

Several deer were swept away across districts, but timely efforts by Punjab Wildlife Rangers saved them from certain death.

The wildlife department has launched emergency operations to protect animals in flood-hit areas. Rescue teams have been provided with ambulances, veterinary staff, and temporary camps to treat injured wildlife.

According to Additional Punjab Wildlife Rangers Director General Syed Kamran Bukhari, a pair of deer was rescued in Sialkot on August 26.

In Narowal, an injured and pregnant deer received medical treatment, while in Shakargarh, a young male deer was relocated to safety.

Additional operations in Muridke, Wazirabad, and Mandi Bahauddin raised the total number of rescued deer to seven. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the government remains committed to protecting wildlife during the crisis.

"The lives of animals are just as precious as human lives. It is both a moral and constitutional duty to ensure their safety," she stated.

Experts caution that while floods have already devastated homes and crops, they have also destroyed natural habitats. Forest animals and riverbank species have lost shelter and food sources, leaving many at risk. Without continued intervention, species such as deer and other rare wildlife could face long-term survival threats.