ISLAMABAD: Poor living conditions of animals in the Marghazar Zoo, particularly that of Kavaan the lone elephant, was discussed in the Senate on Monday.

Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani tasked the cabinet committee to look into the issue and report in three weeks.

The issue was taken up by Senator Samina Abid, who told the house that the animals in Marghazar Zoo lives under poor conditions. She said there are no proper arrangements for these animals, not even for food, and many of the animals were brought from colder areas.

“The elephant is chained and living without even a proper shed,” she said, and requested the chairman to refer the matter to a standing committee on cabinet.

To this, the Senate chairman said the matter had been taken up by the house a few days ago and the State Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry had informed the house that the elephant had been unchained and that his shed had been improved. The chairman then said that he had been informed that the food for zoo animals is also sold outside.

Responding to the Senate chairman’s remarks about the CADD minister’s statement, Ms Abid said: “Whatever I witnessed in the Zoo, I shared with the house.” She added that she did not understand why the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was not taking the issue of the elephant seriously.

“An animal cannot voice its problems, the CDA should free him,” she said and requested members of the cabinet committee to visit the zoo and see the living conditions of the animals for themselves.

The Marghazar Zoo has been making the headlines for several years because of the conditions under which animals live. The matter of Kavaan has also been taken up by animal rights activists across the world.

Animal rights activists have been raising their voice for Kavaan for many years. Mark Cowne, an agent for renowned American musician and actress Cher, is currently in Islamabad to meet with zoo officials and collect information about Kavaan.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2016