Implementation has begun on the Sindh High Court’s directives regarding the transfer of Rano, the bear currently residing in Karachi Zoo, to Gilgit-Baltistan. In this regard, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah chaired a high-level meeting at the Sindh Secretariat to review the arrangements for Rano’s relocation. The meeting was attended by the Secretary Forest & Wildlife, Municipal Commissioner KMC, Conservator Sindh Wildlife Department, representatives from Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, and other wildlife experts. The participants briefed the Chief Secretary on the progress made so far regarding the bear’s transfer.
The Sindh Wildlife Department informed the meeting that a specially designed iron cage meeting all safety standards has been prepared for Rano’s relocation. It was further informed that wildlife experts and trainers are currently engaged in daily training sessions to help Rano adjust comfortably to the new cage. Dr. Aamir and Mrs. Abida Raees from Karachi Zoo, wildlife rangers Abbas, Anees, and Sanna Raja from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, and wildlife trainer Abid from the Sindh Wildlife Department are jointly supervising Rano’s behavioral training. According to experts, Rano has shown a positive response to the training. She has developed a friendly bond with wildlife ranger Sanna Raja and eagerly awaits her daily visits near the cage. Rano has also begun eating honey directly from Sanna’s hand, indicating strong trust and progress in her behavioral adaptation.
Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah directed that Rano must not be forcibly captured or sedated during the transfer process. He emphasized that the bear should voluntarily enter the transport cage through gradual and positive reinforcement training methods. The Chief Secretary further instructed that the entire transfer process be video recorded for documentation and transparency.
The Chief Secretary also directed the Sindh Wildlife Department to ensure that all arrangements in Islamabad are completed before Rano’s transfer. As per the Sindh High Court’s order, Rano will first be shifted to Islamabad and then to her final sanctuary destination in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Chief Secretary directed the Wildlife Department to forward a case to Cabinet proposing a complete ban on the import of exotic (non-native) animals.
He observed that exotic animals suffer from depression and trauma due to the lack of natural habitat and climatic compatibility in captivity. He added that Pakistan is a party to several international conventions, including the Convention on the CMS, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).