KARACHI: A pair of lion cubs has recently been born at Karachi Zoological Gardens — the first birth among the big cats in more than 12 years at the facility.

Sources said that the zoo had previously seen a lion birth in 2011. At that time, four cubs were born to a pair of lions. Three of them were found dead in their cage, while the fourth cub went missing within a week.

“They are healthy and being nursed by their mother. We separated the male lion soon after the birth three days ago to ensure the newborns’ safety,” a zoo official told Dawn.

The administration has barred visitors from the lions’ enclosure, he added.

“Lion cubs are very vulnerable in their first few weeks, as they are born blind and entirely dependent on their mother for care. Hence, it’s important to protect them from outside interference and help the mother strengthen her bond with the babies,” he explained.

The sources said the birth occurred in the pair of lions that was ‘gifted,’ along with a pair of pumas and lions, to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in March by a private zoo run at a housing scheme. The other pair of lions was shifted to Safari Park.

One of the pumas, however, died upon arrival at the zoo.

“Currently, there is only one pair of lions at the zoo. The rest of the big cats, including the remaining puma, a Bengal tiger, a white lioness, and a male lion rescued from Sharea Faisal last year, all live alone in their cages at the zoo,” said another zoo official.

The zoo director was not available for comment.

The sources said that Karachi Zoo, lacking trained staff, has a tragic history of animal neglect and mortalities.

Over a month ago, they said, a lioness died at the zoo. No further details about her death were available.

“Often, animals are kept in isolation at the zoo if they lose their mate. At times, rescued animals are brought here, where they spend their whole lives in solitary confinement. This situation highlights the need for urgent interventions focusing on animal welfare,” a retired KMC official shared.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2024