On May 5, 2025, the Lahore High Court heard a case concerning the welfare of a 32-year-old Himalayan brown bear held in distressing conditions at the Bansra Gali Zoo.
The case, led by Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan (EARC-Pakistan), has drawn national attention for its implications on captive wildlife care and legal protections in the country.
The court had previously approved the bear’s relocation to the Balkasar Bear Sanctuary on April 28. However, concerns soon emerged due to the ongoing heatwave across Punjab, raising questions about the bear’s ability to survive the journey and transition under such extreme conditions.
In the latest hearing, EARC-Pakistan presented expert testimony from Dr. Fakhar Abbas, the founder of the Balkasar Bear Sanctuary. Dr. Abbas confirmed that the relocation posed significant health risks to the bear due to the escalating temperatures.
In response, the petitioners requested the bear be moved instead to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, which offers more suitable environmental conditions and facilities for immediate care.
The petition also proposed the establishment of a permanent, expert-led wildlife committee to develop a science-based, humane approach to managing captive and wild animals in Punjab. The goal is to move beyond emergency interventions and toward systemic reforms that prioritize long-term welfare and conservation.
The Lahore High Court accepted both requests: to redirect the bear’s transfer to the Islamabad center and to consider forming the wildlife advisory committee. A final ruling is expected soon.
The bear, now referred to as “Hope,” has become a symbol of what can be achieved when legal advocacy, veterinary science, and public concern align. While the outcome of the case is still pending, the progress so far marks a critical moment for wildlife protection efforts in Pakistan.
EARC-Pakistan is the country’s first dedicated animal and environmental law firm and think tank. It continues to advocate for comprehensive legal reforms and humane treatment for all animals.