ISLAMABAD: The Marghazar Zoo’s two Himalayan brown bears are ready to leave for a sanctuary in Jordan in 10 days, while Kaavan, the zoo’s lone elephant, is expected to leave for Cambodia by the end of November.

Paperwork for the two bears, including their import and export permits, are ready, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) Chairman Dr Anisur Rehman told Dawn on Thursday.

“We have also received the import permit for Kaavan. This means the Cambodian government is willing to accept and introduce the 45-year-old elephant into one of its sanctuaries,” he said, adding that the bears will receive better psychological and physical treatment in sanctuaries abroad.

“This is the first time that animals from Pakistan are being taken abroad for rest and recreation and health recovery,” he said, adding: “The government realises that animals need first class attention. These captive animals will receive first class attention.”

The bears will be flown back to Islamabad once they have fully recovered and their enclosures at the Islamabad zoo are ready, he said.

Both Himalayan brown bears suffer from psychological problems after living in substandard enclosures, with the female undergoing major surgery due to her critical condition. This was also the reason sanctuaries within the country refused to take them in.

“The bears will not return until their enclosures are built according to international standards. It is going to be better for the wildlife all the way now,” Dr Rehman said.

He said that Kaavan is also keeping much better health, he has lost weight and is ready to travel.

“We are now waiting for the Pakistani government to issue the export permit for Kaavan to fly out, the only document that is required before he leaves for the sanctuary in Cambodia. All the arrangements will be made by air. It is an expensive proposition, roughly $350,000 to $400,000,” he said.

A six-member team of veterinarians from an animal welfare organisation in Austria had visited Kaavan to evaluate his condition before he could be allowed to undertake a seven hour journey to Cambodia. The organisation, Four Paws, said Kaavan was obese, terribly lonely and needed foot care, which could not be provided at Marghazar Zoo due to the lack of facilities.

Dr Rehman said the zoo’s wolves have been moved to a better, more spacious home in Ayub Park.

IHC hearing

The government on Thursday informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that arrangements have been finalised to relocate the bears to sanctuaries in Jordan.

During a hearing on the implementation of the IHC order to relocate Kaavan, the bears and other Marghazar Zoo animals to sanctuaries, Deputy Attorney General Syed Mohammad Tayyab informed the court that a no-objection certificate has been issued for the relocation of the bears. He said the government has accorded approval for their relocation to Jordan.

Asked by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah about Kaavan’s relocation, Mr Tayyab said a special cage has been prepared to move him. He informed the court about steps taken so far to shift the elephant.

He said Egyptian veterinarian Dr Amir Khalil and his team will visit the Islamabad zoo this weekend to examine Kaavan’s readiness to travel abroad.

The chairman of the IWMB told the IHC that arrangements are being made to relocate species to the appropriate sanctuaries. The bears have to be relocated as soon as possible, and arrangements to move Kaavan are expected to be completed soon, he said. The court sought a detailed report in this matter by Oct 27.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2020