Black bear being provided basic facilities at temporary sanctuary

Islamabad : An Asiatic black bear named Daboo handed over to Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) after recently rescued from Rawalpindi is being provided all basic living facilities at temporary sanctuary established in the federal capital.

According to the details, this baby black bear was kidnapped from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by poachers and later rescued by animal lovers in Rawalpindi. Then it was sent to Lahore zoo after which Punjab Wildlife Department decided to hand him over to IWMB until any suitable place was found for him.

An official shared the information that Daboo is quite healthy, active, and enjoying surroundings besides exploring his new room fully equipped with facilities like an air cooler.

He said “Two IWMB officials--Jibran and Anees--who have got training at Al Mawa Sanctuary in Jordan in captive bear care, would take care of Daboo and monitor his diet and physical activities."

The official also thanked the animal rights activists, lawyers and media persons who raised voice for Daboo after which he was handed over to IWMB for his well-being and better future.

He informed that poachers kill mama bears and steal their babies to train them for their financial gains, adding “It is really unfortunate that Balkasar bear sanctuary is now full to capacity with bear cubs that were stolen from their mama bears.”

“Daboo has settled well in Islamabad and loves the nearby garden. He remains busy climbing trees and also eating well. We will build him a pool soon. A lot of animal lovers and media want to meet him but it is actually dangerous for Daboo to become so attached to humans at this time as we want to give him some peace of mind,” he said.

The animal rights activists said the Balkasar sanctuary should get an extension so that it can accommodate more bears. The provincial governments should take a step forward and facilitate the bear release programmes so that rescue and rehabilitation of bears continues in line with international practices.