Dilapidated roads, collapsed bridges, empty cages, poor maintenance and broken swings await visitors to the Lohi Bher Wildlife Park.

Spread over 687 acres near the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Islamabad Expressway, the wildlife park was established in 1992 to provide recreational facilities to residents. But due to the Punjab government’s apathy, now the facility presents a picture of neglect. The only attraction in the park is a lion and three lionesses. But even the road to reach the lion’s den is in dilapidated shape.

In 1992, a lion safari was developed where the visitors would go in their vehicles to see the wild animals roaming around. But a few years ago, the lion safari was closed due to the poor condition of the road and the collapse of a bridge on the link road to the park. Now the lions are kept in cages and the visitors have to travel down the broken road to see them.

The only lion in the park is named Moti and one of the lionesses, Bilo, is being treated for cancer by three doctors. “She is 23 years old and is suffering from neck cancer,” Assistant Director Anwar Maan told Dawn. Interestingly, the visitors have to use Korang Town and Pakistan Town housing society area to reach the park due to the broken bridge on the link road from the Islamabad Highway. The wildlife park offers a few pairs of Urial (wild sheep), deer, peacocks, bear, monkey and some other birds. The park has a huge infrastructure but is poorly managed by the provincial government. One can see the signboard for Nilgai but its cages are empty. The artificial lake in the old Lion Safari is still under construction and many aviaries are also found empty. The lawns of the park are not properly maintained and one can hardly finds a proper area for sitting.

Suhail Ahmed, a resident of F-7/2, said he came to the park for the first time but found the park in a poor condition. “We have limited spaces like this and the government should pay attention on the development of such spots.” Mohammad Akram, of Gulraiz Housing Society, said he had brought his children to the park to see the lion. “Ayub Park and Bahria Town’s zoo are in a better condition compared to this. You cannot find any animal or proper sitting area here,” he said. Assistant Director Anwar Maan said the government had allocated funds for the construction of the road and other infrastructure but due to a row between the roads department and the contractor, the matter was pending in a court. “The issue will be resolved soon and the work on the development of the park will be launched. The government has also planned to procure more animals and birds for the wildlife park,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play