SHC seeks report on bear Rano's condition at Karachi Zoo

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), the director of Karachi Zoo, and the secretary of the Sindh Wildlife Department in response to a petition highlighting the deteriorating condition of the bear, Rano, at the Karachi Zoo.

The petitioner's counsel submitted before the court on Tuesday that Rano's continued confinement at the zoo was both unlawful and inhumane. He informed the court that the senior director of the Karachi Zoo had constituted a committee to assess Rano's health. The committee, in its recommendations dated January 17, 2025, concluded that the bear was suffering from severe mental stress and should be relocated to a more natural environment.

The counsel further argued that keeping Rano at the Karachi Zoo violates Section 47 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act. He also contended that this act constitutes a breach of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 9 and 9A of the Constitution, which relate to the right to life and dignity.

In an earlier petition, the SHC had already directed the zoo administration to provide an air cooler, ensure pool maintenance, and take other welfare measures for Rano. Despite these directions, the bear's condition has continued to decline.

The petitioner prayed the court ordered Rano's immediate transfer to a natural sanctuary, in line with the committee's findings.