Karachi Zoo, established during British colonial rule, covers 43 acres of land, and has 750 animals and birds kept in 117 different cages
Prof. Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo
Have you ever seen hell on the hearth, yes, visit Karachi Zoo and see it for yourself, the miserable conditions in which the innocent animals are kept with little or no care? And this is not just a tale of a few days.
Thanks to Noor Jehan an elephant at Karachi Zoo, attracting the attention of the media and government officials, several other animals continued to suffer in silence, invoking little public outcry, it emerged in recent days.
It is believed that Noor Jehan’s illness was a sign of the institutional decay that the zoo had been suffering from for decades, with little or no interest from the government in animal welfare. In fact, the sources said, there had always been a war over resources between the two tiers of the government as far as the zoo was concerned.
The zoo animals are starving and with low or no attention to their health issues
Karachi Zoo also known as Gandhi Garden was established during British colonial rule, covers 43 acres of land, and has 750 animals and birds kept across 117 different cages. Those who just visit for recreation will never see what is to be seen regarding miserable conditions both in the macro and micro habitats where animals are kept.
Although there comes an official denial, the fact is that the zoo animals are starving and also with low or no attention to their health issues. As a matter of fact, is that the KMC was and is facing its worst financial crisis due to withholding funds. The administration owes over 30 million rupees dues, and there are reports that the animal food supplier has threatened to stop the supply.
The zoo has only 14 keepers to feed animals, take care of them and clean the cages. Some of the staff are forced to work at the houses of officers
There are also reports that the zoo also appears to be facing a staff shortage. It is a known truth that the zoo has only 14 keepers to feed animals, take care of them and clean the cages. Some of the staff are forced to work at the houses of office staff. The zoo has not recruited an additional workforce since 1997 because of a ban on recruitment by the Sindh government,” without realizing the issues of animals who can tell their sufferings.
As also reported in English Daily, senior director of KMC Khalid Hashmi admitted that the lapses were part of the successive administrations and said he was trying his best to improve the zoo. He is further reported to add that “He would appreciate the support from any individual or organization in this regard as the zoo facility has limited funds and is trying to look after the animals well” although he denied if there were feed shortages at the zoo.
What is the view of the senior officer regarding these photos which speak a lot regarding zero care and no attention towards the health of these poor animals? One picture also speaks of the ill attitude of the public who have spitted on the back of crocodiles as if this to them was fun.
Not to refer to others, I have seen many times unwanted public behavior whereby they cross all the limits. I, therefore, suggest CCTV cameras in the garden area with strict vigilance so that immediate actions could be initiated against those who break the terms and conditions that a visitor must follow.
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Prof. (R) Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo is Advisor and Visiting Professor Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Sakrand, Sindh Pakistan. Formerly, he was Chairman, Department of Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam. After retirement, he also served there as Advisor Academics & P&D to Vice Chancellor. He can be reached at Email: abdullaharijo.faculty@sbbuvas.edu.pk
