People living in Peshawar rushed to the local zoo when they heard about the birth of two very adorable tiger cubs there. However, many are now also questioning whether the harsh conditions will improve for these animals living in captivity.
Local news outlets from the city reported that the cubs were healthy and their gender cannot be identified for at least 15 days.
Tigress in Peshawar Zoo gave birth to cubs. pic.twitter.com/1QhYZViFs7
— . (@JalalQazi) August 31, 2020
Please welcome these two cubs at Peshawar Zoo.. pic.twitter.com/rWdh6gokwf
— Umer Farooq (@Umer_Pasanni) August 31, 2020
Concerns over Animal Welfare
Although the cubs seem to be perfectly healthy, many are now doubting the zookeepers’ ability to keep them safe.
Earlier this year a lion kept at Islamabad Zoo died due to a fire. It expired after being reportedly suffering from suffocation due to the fumes.
Even at the Peshawar Zoo, locals have repeatedly filed cases against the management for mishandling and mistreating the animals. In 2018, within 3 months of its inauguration, more than 30 animals had already died at the zoo.
It pains me so much to see these beautiful majestic creatures on a dirty tile floor of peshawar zoo. They don't belong here. Zoos are ultimate form of cruelty to animals.
— 𝕭𝖆𝖑𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖆 (@Balana26409803) September 1, 2020
Even though these cases have been highlighted time and time again, animals in the country are still subjected to gruesome cruelty. We hope that wildlife in Pakistan is well taken care of, and authorities make the necessary changes required at Peshawar Zoo.
ALSO READ
Crocodiles Covered In Paan And Gutka Stains At Karachi Zoo Spark Outrage
It’s not a miracle the cubs were born. It will be a miracle if they survive. Tigers and lions breed easily in captivity, whether in zoos or even circuses. On the other hand other big cats like leopards, cheetahs, and jaguars rarely breed in captivity. This is the way of nature. The total ignorance of Peshawar zoo in captive wildlife management is painfully obvious from the very fact that reporters and other visitors were allowed to view and photograph the cubs within hours of their birth, Anyone could easily pass an infection to the cubs which could be fatal for them.
The zoo also apparently had no idea about preparing for the cubs birth. At least a week before parturition, the mother should have been isolated in a dark, quiet cage/den, with soft straw spread on the floor and absolutely no one expect the tiger keeper and the vet allowed near her till the birth of the cubs and for at least two to three weeks thereafter. This is a very sensitive time for the cubs who can easily get rejected by the mother if she becomes overly stressed due to too much noise or too many visitors. I pray however that the maternal instincts Nature has granted her will prove stronger than the ignorance of the zoo management. And the cubs will go on to survive and grow up healthy.