Mobile wildlife clinic launched

The Punjab government has developed the country's first mobile wildlife clinic to provide on-site treatment and rescue services for injured and sick animals.

The clinic stationed at Lahore Safari Zoo is equipped with portable X-ray and doppler ultrasound machines, ECG, vital sign monitors, an oxygen concentrator, laboratory facilities and instruments required for minor surgical procedures.

It can also conduct preliminary blood and other diagnostic tests at the rescue site.

Veterinary Services Director Dr Rizwan Khan said about the facility that transporting wild animals to hospitals was often difficult and could expose them to stress. The mobile clinic was, therefore, designed to enable examination, diagnosis and initial treatment at the location where animals are found.

He said most of the medical equipment installed in the vehicle was portable and rechargeable, allowing veterinary teams to operate in remote areas, deserts and mountainous regions.

The vehicle is fitted with a solar power system and a generator to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during field operations.

Dr Khan said the clinic is equipped with a modern dart gun that can be used to administer medication or safely sedate wild animals from a distance when required. Portable X-ray and ultrasound facilities will also help veterinarians make quick and accurate diagnoses in the field.

According to him, the mobile wildlife clinic was the first facility of its kind in Pakistan and will be deployed across Punjab's zoos, safari parks, wildlife centres and for rescue operations.

The official said the mobile clinic would complement a recently established Wildlife Rescue Centre and a hospital where injured and sick animals were being provided advanced medical care and surgical treatment.