ISLAMABAD: As many as 10 black bears are now housed in the Rescue and Rehab Centre, formerly known as Islamabad zoo, after two more were rescued and transferred from Khushab.

The transfer, which took place early Tuesday morning, was arranged by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) in collaboration with the Four Paws team.

The operation commenced at 5am on Tuesday, with the IWMB staff and Four Paws team members working tirelessly to ensure the safe reception of the newly-rescued bears. Upon arrival, it was evident that both bears — Boogie and Laila — were in dire condition, with their faces bearing numerous scratches — a grim reminder of the harsh realities they endured, likely from engaging in bear baiting.

Dr Frank Goritz, who is head veterinarian at Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin, had to operate and surgically remove one of Boogie’s infected eyes.

Both, eight years old Boogie and six to seven years old Laila had no teeth.

“Both bears got the best treatment in the world. The Four Paws team has been working tirelessly from 8am till sundown since they arrived a few days ago to give the bears complete head to toe checkup,” said Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan.

Four Paws returned on a five-day visit on the urgent request of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). A team of Four Paws veterinarians and wildlife experts have supported the Pakistani wildlife authorities with the veterinary treatment and neutering of eight resident bears at the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.

The team also assisted in planned rescue and relocation of the new confiscated bears from bear baiting, dancing and breeding activities.

The two bears were transferred following a visit by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to the Rescue and Rehab Centre on Monday.

“We requested her to transfer Boogie and Laila to the rescue centre where some of the best veterinarians will administer treatment they need.

“She agreed immediately, for which we are grateful,” said Rina Saeed Khan.

According to Ms Khan, the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre was poised to evolve into a sanctuary in the near future.

“With ample space spanning 28 acres, the centre is well-equipped to establish permanent residences for the rescued bears,” she said, adding that “furthermore, there has been keen interest from international donors to provide financial support to IWMB for this initiative”.

The addition of these two bears to the centre underscores the ongoing efforts to provide sanctuary and care for animals rescued from such cruel practices. With proper rehabilitation and compassionate care, it was hoped that these bears would be able to heal and thrive in their newfound home, said Rina Khan optimistically.

Since the Asiatic black bear is indigenous to Pakistan, the rescued bears will not be sent abroad like Kaavan the elephant and Baboo, the rescued Bengal tiger.

As half of the Four Paws team returns home Tuesday night, the remaining members would be staying behind to ensure the bears get post surgery care if required.

“Their team is also leaving behind medication for the bears that cannot be acquired locally. They will be returning in a few weeks to assist the Punjab government to end the cruel practice of bear baiting and street dancing. Punjab is the only province where these cruel practices prevail,” Rina Khan added.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2024