Rare and Precious Animals Continue to Die in Lahore Zoo

The deaths of rare and valuable animals at Lahore Zoo continue, with a Jamesbok, a sable antelope, and even Pakistan’s national animal, the markhor, passing away. However, the arrival of new offspring among Sindh ibexes and oryxes has brought some relief to the zoo administration.

According to Express News, another female Jamesbok, imported from abroad, died on Tuesday. The animal had been suffering from an infection due to cold weather for several weeks and was under treatment but could not survive.

Two days earlier, a female markhor also died suddenly, followed by the death of a sable antelope.

Lahore Zoo Director Sheikh Muhammad Zahid stated that the markhor was completely healthy, and its sudden death was unexpected. The carcass was sent to the Veterinary University for examination, and initial findings suggest a heart attack as the cause. However, a detailed report will confirm the exact reason. Meanwhile, Jamesbok’s death was attributed to an infection.

Zahid also provided an update on a female white tiger that had a congenital deformity, causing one of its legs to be shorter. The tiger recently fell into a ditch in its enclosure, breaking its leg and knee bone. A team of veterinary doctors from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences successfully performed surgery, implanting metal plates in its leg. However, another surgery is still required, and the tiger is expected to recover soon.

While the zoo administration mourns the loss of several valuable animals, the birth of new offspring has been a source of some relief.

According to zoo officials, three Sindh ibexes and multiple oryxes have given birth. However, in recent weeks, rare species such as the Jamesbok and newborn Nyala antelopes have also died. Additionally, one Sindh ibex sustained serious injuries during a fight.

Two Nyala antelopes, recently imported from abroad, gave birth at Lahore Zoo, but both newborns died soon after.

A spokesperson for Punjab Wildlife stated that the Nyala antelopes gave birth to weak offspring just a day apart. The newborns were so frail that they couldn’t stand or nurse. Despite being transferred to a hospital for special care, they did not survive, with one dying on Thursday and the other on Friday.

Earlier, among three Jamesbok antelopes at the zoo, one died suddenly, while another is critically ill and under treatment. The female Jamesbok, native to Africa’s arid regions, developed respiratory complications due to extreme cold. Despite medical efforts, he could not survive, and the post-mortem confirmed respiratory failure as the cause of death.

Additionally, another Jamesbok is in critical condition and receiving treatment.

A rare Scimitar-horned oryx, which was pregnant, had to undergo surgery for delivery, but the calf was found dead in the womb. Tragically, the mother also passed away afterward.

Meanwhile, a Sindh ibex suffered a severe eye injury during a fight. Despite days of treatment, it did not survive. However, in the same period, three healthy Sindh ibex offspring were born.

Sources suggest that the deaths of newborn Nyala antelopes could be due to climate and environmental changes or complications arising from transportation stress when they were brought to Pakistan.

Zoo officials explained that it is difficult and risky to capture and conduct check-ups or ultrasounds on pregnant animals. Techniques like the Boma method, where animals are guided in one direction, can pose risks to pregnancies, and using tranquilizers is also hazardous.

Veterinary teams are now reviewing the cases to improve neonatal care and increase the survival rate of newborn animals in the future.