KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the formation of a new committee to inspect zoos across the province, recommend improvements, and explore relocating exotic animals to their natural habitats. The decision expands the scope of a petition initially focused on shifting a lone female bear, Rano, from Karachi Zoo to the Bear Sanctuary in Islamabad.
A two-judge bench comprising Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Syed Fiaz-ul-Hassan Shah stated that the court would examine the broader concept of keeping animals in captivity, inviting suggestions on phasing out zoos entirely. The committee will include municipal and wildlife officials, as well as representatives from animal welfare organisations and experts, including philanthropists and activists proposed by the petitioner.
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The court highlighted issues at Karachi Zoo, noting that medical equipment was largely out of order. Zoo Director Aklaq Ahmed Yousufzai committed to replacing faulty machines and outsourcing veterinarians for proper treatment. The committee has been tasked with evaluating short-term measures for animal welfare and making long-term recommendations, which could include returning exotic species to their natural habitats.
The SHC bench emphasized that the matter concerns hundreds of animals, not just a single bear, and underlined the need to reconsider the ethics of keeping animals in zoos for public entertainment. The hearing has been adjourned until November 21, allowing the committee to begin its assessment and provide detailed recommendations.
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This move reflects growing attention to animal rights and wildlife conservation in Sindh, with authorities and activists working together to ensure humane treatment of captive animals while exploring sustainable alternatives to conventional zoos.