Lahore Zoo records 70 animal deaths in 5 years

Main causes of death include infections, respiratory illnesses, accidents, harsh weather conditions

LAHORE:

About 70 rare and valuable animals and birds have died in Lahore Zoo during the past five years.

According to documents obtained under the Right to Information Act, the primary causes of death included infections, respiratory illnesses and other diseases, accidents and harsh weather conditions. In several cases, the causes of death were recorded as unknown.

The documents show 12 animals had died in 202, including mouflon sheep, bears and lions. In 2021, 13 deaths were recorded, among them tigers, a white lioness and African lions. In 2022, 12 valuable animals, including an African lioness, nilgai, deer and bears, died at the zoo. During 2023 and 2024, a total of 21 deaths were recorded, involving leopards, African lionesses and monkeys.

The record showed that up to August last year, 12 deaths occurred, including that of a markhor, rare species of deer and other valuable animals.

A number of animals that died in 2025 were newly imported and had fallen ill after failing to adapt to the local environment.

Wildlife officials claimed improvements in healthcare facilities, monitoring systems, and treatment at Lahore Zoo and Safari Zoo had led to a decline in animal deaths in 2025 compared to 2024. The record indicates that most deaths occurred due to infections and respiratory diseases.

Wildlife officials said wild animals and birds kept in captivity generally had a longer average lifespan due to regular food supply, medical care and protection. They claimed that most of the animals that died had already completed their natural lifespan.