ISLAMABAD: Local authorities have said a bear at Marghazar Zoo that was the subject of a video in which it appeared to be weak and breathing heavily is fine.

However, the chairman of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) said the bear underwent a surgical procedure and its health is being monitored.

IWMB Chairman Dr Anisur Rehman said: “The bear was treated for diarrhea but is in good health now. We had veterinarians conduct thorough tests and the samples taken had been sent for lab tests after which proper care would be provided. While assessing the bear, vets noticed a growth on its chest which was surgically removed. The health of the bear is being monitored.”

A video of the bear panting in its enclosure has been circulated widely on social media for the last two days.

Ali Salman Alvi, a citizen, contacted the deputy commissioner publicly on Twitter and said the bear was “dying a slow painful death in this hot and humid weather” and described the bear’s enclosure as “a death cell”. The tweet went viral, with many social media users criticising the authorities for keeping the animal in this condition.

Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said on Twitter that although the zoo is not under his administrative control, the bear was examined by a private veterinarian who said the bear was fine.

The same bear was treated for injuries it mysteriously sustained last month.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2019