THE Karachi Zoological Garden was once considered to be a place for fun and learning for children, as well as for adults. But now we see this place is devastated and not taken care of properly. Thirty-three acres of land is under zoo but the administration has failed to utilise it in a more appropriate way. Recently I visited the zoo after nine years. I was shocked by the fact that the condition has reached its worst point. Several cages were empty or if they had animals in it they were few.

Most animals like the lion, Bengal tiger, white lion and lioness were in an unstable condition. They were numb, though children were enchanted to see them. They were in their hideouts because there was no proper food or water to feed them.

The water in which pelicans and ducks were in was full of garbage. The reptile house, which has recently included an imported US python, also failed to feed it for a month.

Mughal Garden, which is claimed to have different kind of roses, didn’t have a single rose there. The main attraction of this zoo, the metal lion and lioness statues, was missing.

Animals are growing weaker because there are no proper monthly medical check-ups for them. The white lion’s acrylic cage, which was inaugurated this year, was in dirtiest condition. Scratches and marks on this glass case were giving an effect like it had been there for centuries.

It is the only place for students to learn but the zoo’s condition is deteriorating day by day.

MARIA NISSAR      Karachi