LAHORE: The import of two female leopards from South Africa for the Lahore Zoo has got delayed due to procedural hurdles, sources in the Punjab Wildlife Department told Dawn.

They said the two leopards were to be handed over to the zoo by the contractor immediately after Eidul Fitr.

When contacted, Lahore Zoo Director Naeem Bhatti told this reporter that the Federal Wildlife Commission had raised objections to the import.

He said the Wildlife Commission discouraged the import of big cats because they were often imported by private wildlife parks owners for commercial purposes.

“Nevertheless, the government has clarified that the two female leopards are being imported solely for the Lahore Zoo and the commission has now allowed the import,” Mr Bhatti said, adding the contractor had been given the permit by the authorities concerned a couple of days ago the two big cats would hopefully reach the zoo within a week time.

The female leopards are being brought to the zoo for pairing purposes as the zoo has two male leopards, one of them was brought in 2010 and the other in 2014. Both were caught on the outskirts of Narowal.

Pairing of animals is a chronic issue at the Lahore Zoo. The two female leopards would cost Rs7.6 million. After tendering by the department, the lowest bidder (Rs7.6 million) was awarded the project.

The zoo is interested in holding a grand ceremony after it will cage the two female leopards for public exhibition.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2014