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Animals, ever since we were children, we’ve been taught to love them. Growing up, every young human attaches themselves to a pet or two, fascinating over how they live and work. As you grow older, you get to know about all the different, exotic animals that exist in the world.
I still remember my first trip to the Zoo, with my school of course. Coincidentally, it was the Karachi Zoo. Once very posh, clean and well sought after, today, the condition of Karachi Zoo and the animals that live there will break your heart.
Even though the zoo uplift project in Karachi was launched a year ago, no progress can be seen in the animals, according to one of the most famous newspapers of Pakistan. The animals seem to be in a very pathetic condition, one that would cause pain to any animal lover.
Apparently, more than 80 official government posts for the Karachi Zoo are still vacant, as maladministration by involved departments and personnel continues. The lack of staff means less caretakers for the animals. So, why is the concerned department not going forward with hiring of 80 people? Is it too difficult to be done? Or do they do not want more people?
“Sanitation conditions at the zoo have gone from bad to worse as there is an acute shortage of sweepers. This is seriously affecting animal health,” said a zookeeper told Dawn. As per the reviews of the zoo, all the animals seemed to be in a bad condition, but some required immediate medical care and attention, something that was nowhere to be seen.
The Lone Bactrian Camel, an exotic part of the camel family, required immediate care, along with the white lioness that lied motionless inside her cage as she still seems to be infected with the same virus that had put her in grave condition a year back.
The Zoo, however, has hired a new director, Dr. Mansoor Qazi, who says he is very well aware of the shortcomings of the zoo but his means were limited and the work was too much. “There is an acute shortage of staff, which is badly hurting the animals. I have moved an application in this regard, hoping that the problem will be solved soon,” he said.
“At present, there is only one vet for more than 800 animals at the zoo. So you can imagine the kind of challenges we are facing. It’s not humanly possible for a single vet to look after so many animals. Also, there is a dire need to train staff, which requires funds. The KMC faces a serious financial crunch so we are hoping that this component becomes part of the uplift project launched by the Sindh government,” he concluded.
Whatever the case may be, it is KMC’s responsibility to take care of the zoo which was once home to happy animals and schools would arrange field trips to the zoo, so children could see exotic animals up close and personal, something which is not possible today.
