KARACHI: Terming the mini-zoo situated in a famous recreational facility in Gulshan-i-Iqbal a ‘jail’ for animals, the Sindh Wildlife Department has asked the zoo management where they obtained certain protected and endangered species animals from, it has emerged.

According to sources, the SWD staff carried out an inspection of the mini-zoo, which is located on the premises of Aladin Amusement Park in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, and found one male lion, two black bears, one female chinkara, two spotted deer, nine pheasants and peacocks and star tortoises.

They said that the hygienic conditions in some animal cages in the mini-zoo, which was established on approximately 1,000 square yards, were also not found to be proper.

The SWD communicated its concerns to, and asked questions from, the owner of the mini-zoo, Afsa Ali Shah, the sources added.

The SWD in its communication to the zoo management says: ‘During a visit it was observed that the mini-zoo was being established over an area not more than 7,000 to 8,000 square feet and labour was busy in making cages/fences for animals and birds without proper planning and facilities.’

It says: ‘While a few rare and endangered species animals and birds like one male lion, two black bears, one female chinkara, two spotted deer, nine different pheasants/peacocks and star tortoises were kept in cages so small and in unhygienic conditions that it could be termed a jail for animals. During the visit one peacock was found dead in its cage and star tortoises were kept in hand-carry cages (pinjras).’

‘Looking at the facts, narrated above, it is found that your mini-zoo is neither properly established nor any required facility of proper space, hygienic conditions, vet facilities, shades, feeding etc are provided for the animals and birds. You are also required to inform this office the source from where you have purchased or brought the lion and bears,’ says the SWD communication.

Responding to Dawn’s queries, Sindh Wildlife Conservator Hussain Bux Bhaagat said that on getting information regarding improper upkeep of animals at the mini zoo, he had sent a team to inspect the facility so that it could be ascertained whether the animals were being kept properly and that if they had been purchased legally or not. He said that upon receiving the response from the zoo management and if some irregularities were found, a legal action would be initiated.

He said that zoos were important and necessary for educational as well as recreational purposes, but no compromise would be made on the standard and physical condition of animals.