Karachi zoo loses another lion

An Asian lion trained for circus shows died at the Karachi Zoological Gardens on Tuesday. According to zoo director Mansoor Qazi, the 13-year-old big cat was suffering from tuberculosis and was provided with medical treatment but could not survive.

Qazi said it was the second lion to die in the zoo during the last one and a half years. He said the deputy commissioner of District East had given permission two months back to conduct circus shows featuring these two lions and horses at a ground in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

No circus could be held because the ground belonged to a welfare association, which refused permission. Both lions and horses had been living in poor conditions at the ground since August. On October 17 they were brought back to the zoo after the wildlife department asked the authorities to do so.

Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar directed the relevant officers on Tuesday to submit a report on the lion’s death. He directed that thorough details about this incident be provided without any delay. He warned that no negligence in taking care of animals at the zoo would be tolerated and stern action would be taken if any official was found neglecting duty.