Seven flamingos rescued from Empress Market

The Sindh Wildlife Department seized 7 flamingos during a raid at Empress Market and shifted them to Karachi Zoo for rehabilitation.

According to Chief Conservator Sindh Wildlife Javed Mehr, the operation was carried out by the Wildlife Law Enforcement team under Deputy Director Conservator Mumtaz Ali Soomro on secret information. The birds had been caught from their natural habitat and smuggled into the city.

Officials said the suspects had clipped the wings of the flamingos to prevent them from flying. The smugglers managed to escape from the scene during the raid. A search for those involved in the illegal wildlife trade is underway. The rescued flamingos were released into the pond at Karachi Zoo for rehabilitation.

Chief Conservator Mehr said a criminal case will be registered against the accused under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act.

A couple of days ago, the Sindh Wildlife Department had released four pelicans into their natural habitat at Haleji Lake Wildlife Sanctuary after they were seized during an illegal transport attempt to Karachi.

15 pelicans had been taken into custody during transit from Dadu to Karachi. Their eyes had been stitched shut with needle and thread, and the wildlife department carried out a procedure to open them. Upon detailed examination, the wildlife team found that 11 of the pelicans had their wings clipped and were unable to fly. However, four pelicans had intact wings and were found to be in satisfactory health. Considering their condition, they were released into their natural environment at Haleji Lake. The remaining 11 pelicans were shifted to the pond at Karachi Zoo for care.

Experts said the birds are often targeted for their body fat, which is extracted and sold as oil in the black market by unqualified practitioners at high prices. Medical professionals warn that such remedies lack scientific backing and can pose serious health risks.

Pelicans are considered one of the oldest bird species, with a history spanning millions of years. They are found across Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and the Americas. Pakistan is among the countries that host migratory pelicans during winter, with wetlands such as Keenjhar, Haleji and Manchar lakes serving as seasonal habitats. However, environmental degradation, pollution, illegal hunting and climate change are posing increasing threats to their survival. Conservationists stress that pelicans play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Known for their distinctive large bill and throat pouch, pelicans use a unique hunting technique, scooping fish along with water and then draining the excess before swallowing their prey. Despite their heavy build, they are capable of gliding long distances using warm air currents.