Zoos only torment animals: SHC

Two-judge bench summons fresh report on Karachi Zoo's animal welfare

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered authorities to submit a fresh report on the state of animals at the Karachi Zoo, including the ongoing issue surrounding the transfer of a bear, Rano, to a natural habitat.

The court ordered that the matter should be examined on a broader scale, underscoring its concerns over the ethical implications of maintaining zoos in the 21st century.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro, questioned the morality and practicality of confining animals in cages, particularly in light of modern standards. "Zoos should be shut down; they serve no purpose other than tormenting animals. We are addressing this case on a larger scale. First, let Rano be transferred, and then we will discuss the future of zoos in our country," Justice Kalhoro remarked.

The bench remarked that the zoo could be shifted to Nooriabad or Kirthar where animals can be kept close to natural habitat outside the cages.

The bench was hearing a petition concerning the transfer of Rano, a bear residing at the Karachi Zoo, to an environment that more closely mirrors her natural habitat. The zoo's senior director presented a detailed report outlining the steps being taken to facilitate the bear's transfer, which is expected to occur after November 15.

The report confirmed that contacts had been made with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, the international animal welfare organization Four Paws, and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to arrange the necessary logistics.

According to the report, PIA has already issued the required instructions for Rano's safe transfer, and discussions are underway regarding the provision of an appropriate air travel cage, Civil Aviation clearance, and other related protocols.

Four Paws, which is assisting with the transfer, suggested that their technical team, currently occupied with commitments in Argentina, will be available to finalise Rano's relocation after mid-November. A suitable enclosure is also being prepared in Islamabad for her new home.

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has expressed full support for the international transfer plan, with all relevant stakeholders collaborating to ensure Rano's safe and humane relocation. Meanwhile, Rano will remain under the care of the Karachi Zoo and the Sindh Wildlife Department until the transfer is completed.

During the hearing, Justice Kalhoro sharply criticised the overall conditions at the zoo. Reflecting on his own childhood visits to the zoo, he remarked, "When I was young, I used to visit the zoo, and even then, all the animals appeared to be injured. What kind of practice is this, to keep animals locked in small cages? People take better care of their pets. Zoos are nothing but places of cruelty to animals, and they should be closed down."

The bench also questioned the adequacy of veterinary care at the Karachi Zoo, expressing astonishment upon learning that the facility employs only one veterinarian. The KMC lawyer explained that a ban on new recruitments has hindered the hiring of additional staff.

In response, Justice Kalhoro expressed dismay: "How is it possible that Karachi's largest zoo has just one veterinary doctor to care for the animals?" He further remarked that while zoos may be common globally, the standard of care in Karachi Zoo is far below international norms.

"Zoos worldwide are not like the ones here. Animals should be kept in open spaces, like national parks. We should not imprison animals in cages, whether they are monkeys or any other species," the judge further remarked.

The court summoned a detailed report on the ban on new recruitments within the KMC, along with a fresh assessment of the number and condition of the animals at the Karachi Zoo. The matter will be revisited following the transfer of Rano.