The recent updates from the Karachi Zoo do not bode well for Noor Jehan. Despite the best efforts of the team of experts attending to the ailing elephant, Noor Jehan’s condition is still critical, WWF has stated.
According to its latest press release, WWF is extremely concerned about Noor Jehan’s situation. Elephants are usually acquired from the wild, caught as young animals, illegally traded through a network of dealers, and suffer tremendously in captivity. WWF doesn’t support the practice of keeping elephants in zoos and circuses.
Zoos in Pakistan treat endangered wildlife species as ‘tender items’ and we have an unfortunate history of elephants’ losses due to health problems that are rooted in poor management; inappropriate diet, and limb and foot complications arising from insufficient exercise, shackling, and inappropriate husbandry.
Elephants have complex ecological and social needs, particularly the females who form lifelong bonds within matriarchal herds. Recognizing that zoos cannot meet these complex requirements of elephants, which leads to both physiological and psychological (abnormal behaviors) issues thus reducing their lifespan and compromising their well-being, zoos across the globe have closed down their elephant facilities (e.g London Zoo).
Those that keep them (e.g Twycross Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo) house them in large enclosures with correct social groups. Edinburgh Zoo has an elephant statue along with a sign that states, ‘This is the only elephant you would see in the zoo’.
Noor Jehan’s suffering at the Karachi Zoo is a repetition of the story of Kavaan (translocated in 2022), Suzi at Lahore Zoo (died 2017), Saheli at Islamabad Zoo (died 2012), and Anarkali at Karachi Zoo (died 2006).
Rules and regulations must be implemented, in letter and spirit, to stop acquiring elephants, while bringing in laws and standards for zoos and strictly adhering to them.
WWF appreciates that experienced veterinary support was made available. However, WWF does urge that Pakistan builds capacity in this field and equip its zoos with appropriate infrastructure and good husbandry practices to improve the well-being of the animals.
WWF strongly believes that animals held in zoos should be cared for according to the highest husbandry standards- in compliance with national, regional, and local legislation and adhering to the provisions of the Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
For that reason, administrations and zoo management committees must ensure proper and adequate enclosures mimicking the natural habitat of the species.
WWF also urges the Government of Sindh and the administration of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to carefully evaluate the dismal conditions at the zoos in Sindh and make well-informed decisions about their future viability.
Some immediate steps should include setting up an independent zoo management committee with appropriate civil society representation, an independent bank account for the zoo where all the gate and contract income is set aside, and a capacity-building plan.
A humble request from a concerned citizen PLEASE close down all zoos in PAKISTAN. We are not capable enough to look after them.
Absolutely, we cannot take care of our own citizens living miserable life hence cannot afford such beautiful wild animal with us that too behind bars, waiting for us to feed them.
WWF must pressurise Pakistan to take out all the wild anemials, we already full of animals hence cannot afford wild animals.
Please take action against Pakistani zoos.