ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday restored the Marghzar Zoo director and directed him to probe the death of animals as well as other loopholes in the zoo’s affairs.

Around 22 animals have died in the zoo in the last few years. Five nilgais mysteriously died between last December and January, and postmortem reports revealed that they died after consuming poison mixed in the food. Recently, an urial and chinkara have died in the zoo.

While hearing a public interest petition filed against the deplorable condition of Marghzar Zoo, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah restored the suspended zoo director Rana Tahir and also tasked him to probe the deaths of the animals.

Mr Tahir as well as deputy director zoo Bilal Khilji were facing contempt proceedings for not handing over the control of the management to the climate change ministry despite court direction.

They, however, submitted an unconditional apology to the court and also explained that they have written a letter to the ministry on receiving the court’s order.

Justice Minallah expressed displeasure over the treatment to the zoo animals and said Islam taught to be kind to the animals. He expressed concerns over the deaths of animals in the zoo because of improper care.

Mr Tahir explained that the staff of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) went on strike in August, which resulted in the death of the two animals. He, however, assured the court that during the probe he would apprise the court of the factual position.

In response to the court’s query as to why the zoo staff preferred to be deployed at the elephant enclosure, Mr Tahir replied that it was because the elephant’s attendants earned handsome revenue after selling sugarcane to visitors which was provided to them as the animal’s feed.

The court asked Mr Tahir to continue as the director till the handing over of the zoo to the climate change ministry.

During hearing on June 25, the IHC directed the climate change ministry secretary to take control of the zoo. The court passed these directions on the petition filed by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) against lack of facilities for animals at the zoo. The petitioner had drawn the court’s attention to a report of the World Wildlife Federation-Pakistan and had stated that marsh crocodile was being kept under deplorable conditions, and according to experts, it might not survive if the environment in the zoo was not improved.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2019