Animals Temporarily Shifted From Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad
In Islamabad, 44 animals from the infamous Marghazar Zoo are being kept at the Jungle Kingdom in Ayub park until the sanctuary being built in the capital can host them for more permanent and humane accommodations.
General Mohammad Asif Akhtar, head of the Army Heritage Foundation, stated that the animals brought to Jungle Kingdom would be looked after and cared for efficiently by veterinary doctors. A team of doctors under a veterinary supervisor will be in charge of looking after the animals and ensuring their care is a priority until their final home is established.
According to a report from Dawn, Gen. Mohammad Asif Akhtar stated that the Jungle Kingdom is one of the best zoos in Pakistan, known for its hosting of rare breeds as well. “We are making efforts to provide a better environment to animals and follow the directions of the team of veterinary doctors. Special arrangements have been made for them in the winter and summer seasons,” he said.
The report further elaborates on how the animals stay is temporary, as the Ministry of Climate Change has allocated Rs. 1.3 billion in order to fund the development and reconstruction of the Marghazar Zoo, making it a humane and safe place for the animals to coexist.
After the mistreatment of Kaavan the 'Lonely Elephant' was exposed, as well as the depleting conditions at the zoo, the animal was set free to live out his days abroad in a sanctuary, and more attention has been directed towards the state of animals in the Marghazar Zoo, which the Islamabad High Court ordered to improve conditions.
After the completion of reconstruction and a better environment for the animals, they will gradually be brought back from their temporary living accommodations in other sanctuaries.