ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday directed the Ministry of Climate Change to take over Marghzar Zoo to ensure proper care of the animals.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah on a petition seeking proper care of the animals observed that a brown bear was injured and there were no proper facilities with the zoo administration to take care of the animal.

Likewise, “animals such as marsh crocodile and Mongolian eagle require specialised care which is not available at Marghzar Zoo,” the court observed.

“Under these circumstances, steps are required to be taken in order to save the detained animals from further harm,” Justice Minallah remarked. The court directed to ensure that the brown bear was treated properly.

The officials of Islamabad Wildlife Management Board had offered to extend assistance in this regard.

Justice Minallah directed the secretary climate change ministry to appoint an authorised officer to take over the management of the zoo till the next date of hearing on Aug 29.

The court directed that the officer appointed should ensure with the assistance of the board that proper arrangements are made and the animals are treated on an urgent basis and kept protected from any sort of harm.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2019