In an innovative move, the capital city has bid farewell to its traditional zoo, giving way to a progressive ‘Rescue, Rehab, and Visitor Information Centre’, pending government funding.

The decision stemmed from a directive by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to close the zoo due to concerns over animal welfare and conditions.

Rina Saeed Khan, who is the chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), noted, “This was in line with Islamabad High Court orders, which directed to shut it down.”

Three years ago, the IHC realised the terrible state of the Islamabad Zoo and the animals it housed. Kaavan, the loneliest elephant in the world, besides the two brown bears, were eventually sent abroad to live their lives in comfort and better care.

“Do the animals have legal rights? The answer to this question, without any hesitation, is in the affirmative…. Like humans, animals also have natural rights which ought to be recognised. It is a right of each animal…to live in an environment that meets the latter’s behavioural, social and physiological needs,” Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court Justice Athar Minallah said in his judgement.

Three years on, plans to build a proper rehab and visitor information facility are still a dream due to lack of government funding. Today some of the zoo’s enclosures look dilapidated. Its residents are the seven rescued black bears, several monkeys, and a Bengal tiger cub, almost a year old, which was set to be relocated to a sanctuary in South Africa for enhanced care.

“For the time being, the makeshift rescue centre is also home to various injured wildlife such as jackals and porcupines. Animals that can be rehabilitated are released into the wild, following the principles of modern wildlife conservation.”

However, recently, the IWMB signed an agreement with ‘Second Chance Wildlife’, a body composed of dedicated animal lovers from Islamabad to secure funding until the government provides the necessary finances for the new centre.

“The Second Chance Wildlife has expressed its commitment to assist in fundraising efforts,” said Rina Khan.

The rehabilitation centre will exclusively house rescued animals.

“We are thinking of establishing permanent facilities for the bears and monkeys, which would be unable to survive in the wild,” she said.

While the facility was currently makeshift, there had long been plans for a proper rescue and rehabilitation centre spanning 25 acres. One-third of this area would be dedicated to the rescue centre, and the remaining two-thirds would serve as a visitor information centre accessible to the public. Notably, the visitor information centre would not feature live animals on display, aligning with international practices.

The authorities planned to make use of digital displays and technology to create an immersive experience for visitors, establishing a connection with the nearby National Park.

“This aligns with the global trend of abolishing traditional zoos and emphasising the protection of animals in their natural habitats. Singapore is a prime example of a nation that has embraced such a modern approach,” said Rina Saeed Khan.

“The new facility will feature digital displays, a virtual zoo, an outdoor auditorium with amenities for children, and beautifully landscaped areas.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2023