Efforts underway to pair solitary animals at Lahore Zoo

Several animals, including jaguars, leopard, and white rhino, still await companions

LAHORE:

Lahore Zoo has embarked on a new initiative to pair animals that have long lived in isolation, as part of efforts to boost breeding programs and enhance overall animal welfare.

As part of the initiative, the zoo recently imported a male hippopotamus from South Africa to pair with a female hippopotamus, locally named Rani, who had been living alone for several years. Officials said similar pairing efforts have previously been carried out with big cats, aiming to encourage natural breeding behavior.

Veterinary experts noted that breeding large wild animals in captivity is challenging but achievable with proper planning.

"These animals require spacious enclosures, a balanced diet, and sufficient privacy for successful reproduction," said a zoo veterinarian. Visitors welcomed the new efforts.

Muhammad Imran, a regular visitor, said the zoo once housed a broader range of large animals, including elephants and chimpanzees, but their numbers had declined over time.

"It is encouraging to see authorities now focusing on restoring the animal population," he remarked. Fatima, another visitor, added that similar pairing initiatives for giraffes and rhinoceroses would further strengthen breeding programs, while also improving overall animal welfare standards.

Despite the progress, several animals at the zoo remain without companions.

These include a male white rhinoceros—the only one of its kind in Pakistan—a male mongoose, a leopard, two female jaguars recently transferred from Lahore Safari Zoo, and a giraffe.

Veterinary specialist Dr. Babar Saleem, a former zoo consultant, highlighted challenges that could affect breeding outcomes.

He noted that the hippopotamus enclosure lacks sufficient depth and space, and that a significant age difference between the male and female animals could further complicate reproduction. Giraffes, he added, face similar spatial constraints in captivity.