CDA decides to take control of zoo again

ISLAMABAD: The possibility of reopening of the zoo in the capital, which has been closed for three years, has arisen.

The Capital Development Authority has decided to withdraw the zoo from the Wildlife Management Board. Deputy DG Environment Irfan Azim Khan Niazi has sent a formal summary for it to the CDA board, which will be presented in Monday’s meeting for approval. According to the summary sent to the board, it has been stated that on April 25, 2020, the Islamabad High Court had directed that the CDA should hand over the control of the zoo to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. The federal cabinet approved it on 1st July 2020. The Wildlife Board has shifted all the animals and birds from the zoo to other places. The zoo has been closed for three years.

In the summary, it was said that the Islamabad High Court had not ordered the closure of the zoo but directed that the zoo be restored and food and maintenance be provided to the animals as per international standards. Unfortunately, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board could not restore the zoo to international standards. The summary said that the High Court had not given the control of the zoo to the Wildlife Management Board permanently but it was a temporary arrangement.

It is suggested that the control of the zoo be given back to the CDA, which is capable of running it efficiently.