KARACHI: Soaring temperature is adding to the sufferings of zoo animals, some of whom were found in extreme distress during a visit to the Karachi Zoological Gardens on Monday.

Water ponds were found empty in most cages littered with garbage and emanated foul smell while few animals had the luxury to cool them off with the help of an ice block.

The absence of grass in cages, many built over a century ago, had also made it difficult for animals to cope with hot weather conditions.

It was disturbing to see flies and a pair of mongoose feeding on the meat pieces lying on the floor of the lions’ cage. Looking distressed, the big cats had chosen to sit far away from their food. Their water pond was also empty, though there was an ice block melting in a corner of their cage.

In another cage, the white lioness was found devouring chunks of raw meat. Her mate, however, had preferred to rest near a pond filled with greenish water (that was apparently an indication that the pond had not been cleaned for ages).

Their misery in the hot weather was compounded by an acrylic wall, blocking air from the front side of the enclosure. The wall built in 2012 at the time of the big cats’ arrival does not suit Karachi weather conditions, as some experts had pointed out in the past.

Another disappointment was to see the Rs20 million elephant enclosure built about six months ago, though the animals had been here since 2009. It is still a very small area for the animals that walk 30 miles in a single day in the wild. Besides, it is as barren as other cages at the zoo and the pond is not sufficiently deep to help the large mammals cool off.

During the visit, it was also found that the large pond developed as an exclusive boating area could not be made functional despite its inauguration a week ago.

Replying to questions, the zoo staff explained that efforts were being made to upgrade old cages whereas water was being provided in maximum quantities to animals.

The elephants now had a bigger area to roam about as compared to the previous facility, the staff said.

They, however, pointed out that it was difficult to keep animal cages clean all the time since visitors were in the habit of throwing different stuff into the cages.

“The boating area is a new facility and will take some time to become operational. Frequent power outages are also making our task difficult,” said zoo director Fahim Khan.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2015

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