High-tech wildlife hospital under construction in Lahore

LAHORE:

The Punjab Wildlife Rangers have launched a series of initiatives to strengthen wildlife protection and veterinary care across the province, including the installation of the first modern X-ray machine for wild animals at Lahore Safari Park and the establishment of rescue centres in three cities.

Wildlife officials said a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital is under construction at Safari Park.

The facility will offer advanced diagnostic and treatment services, including X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, intensive care and specialised treatment for injured and orphaned wild animals.

Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger (Headquarters) Junaid Nadeem said the department has also initiated Punjab's first comprehensive wildlife census in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The survey covers four major categories: reptiles and amphibians, birds, plants and mammals.

Senior Ecologist Komal said modern technologies such as camera trapping, artificial intelligence and thermal drones are being used during the census to monitor wildlife presence and movement across various habitats.

Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Rizwan Khan said a CT scan facility is being installed at the under-construction hospital, terming it the first such veterinary facility within the department.