KARACHI, Jan 13: More than 100 animal births have been reported at Karachi Zoological Gardens during the year 2002.

Mammals’ number rose from 187 to 224 with 37 births including five black buck, the endemic endangered species, three spotted deer of Bangladesh origin and seven nil gai, commonly found in the subcontinent.

Two rhesus macaques, three gazelle deer and four porcupines, all endemic species, were also born during the year.

The other new born were eight European fallow deer, two American red deer, one European white fallow deer and two ponies.

During the last year, 25 fatalities were reported. Some of them were new born whereas some females died during dystocia. A few natural deaths have also been reported.

Two silver pheasants, four lady amherest pheasants, 20 doves, 15 geese and two black shoulder peacocks were born at the zoo. The zoo had received two peacocks in donation. Six females were provided to the new comers and they gave birth to eight more birds.

It may be mentioned here that a high mortality rate was observed in the peacock flock for some time but the experiment of grouping males and females has proved fruitful in improving the survival rate.

Some 20 spur-thighed tortoises were among the new born during the same year.

It has been observed that medical facilities for the animals at the zoo are inadequate. The medical team comprises only one veterinary doctor and three paramedics entrusted with the healthcare of nearly 1,000 inmates. The same team has been assigned the responsibility of looking after the animals at Safari Park and Landhi-Korangi zoos. There are instances where the animals at one zoo could not receive any attention while the team attends emergencies at the other.

Manzoor Kazi, Director of the zoo, explained that the zoo doctor used to visit Safari Park once in a week, whereas one paramedic had been deputed at the park. He said that there was no doctor or paramedic available for the Landhi-Korangi zoo.

Mr Kazi pointed out that Karachi Zoo had a well-equipped hospital where x-ray, laboratory, quarantine, operation theatre and other facilities were available. It also has the tranquillising equipment to isolate an animal in case of emergency, he added.

He said that between 2.5 and three million people visit the zoo annually and that education programmes for children and youth were organized to create awareness on different species of the animals. He said seven such programmes were held during the last year.