CS advises KMC against purchasing exotic animals for zoo

Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah on Wednesday advised the Karachi Metropolitan Coorporation (KMC) against purchasing exotic animals for the Zoo and ordered a crackdown on illegal animal trade in Saddar.

Officials said the chief secretary advised the KMC to refrain from acquiring exotic animals for the zoo in the future. He gave this advice during a high-level meeting regarding the zoo, which was attended by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, Additional Chief Secretary Local government Syed Khalid Hyder Shah, KMC Metropolitan Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi and other relevant officials.

It was revealed during the meeting that the zoo currently housed around 850 animals and birds of various species. It was also informed that no new animals had been purchased for the zoo since 2012. The chief secretary emphasised that exotic animals should not be purchased for the zoo as they were unable to survive in the local environment.

He highlighted that due to the lack of suitable space, food and environmental conditions, exotic animals often suffered stress, diseases and premature death. He advised that all animals in the zoo must be provided with food and healthcare facilities as per international standards. He assured the KMC that the Sindh government would provide necessary funds to ensure the well-being of animals and birds at the zoo.

Furthermore, the chief secretary ordered action against those involved in the illegal trade of animals and birds. He directed the wildlife department and Karachi commissioner to take immediate measures against illegal animal markets.

The chief secretary directed the South deputy commissioner to coordinate with the police, wildlife department and cantonment board to completely eliminate illegal animal trade and shops in the Saddar area within 15 days.