THIS is with reference to the article ‘Wildlife: time to shut down zoos’ (July6), which highlighted the critical importance of animal welfare. While wholeheartedly agreeing that proper care for animals must be our top priority, I believe closing all zoos is not the solution. Instead, we should focus on reforming how they operate.
It is undeniable that many zoos, both in Pakistan and globally, have historically kept animals in confined spaces, sometimes causing distress and even early death. Rather than shutting them down, we can — and must — transform them into centres of conservation, rehabilitation, education and research.
The Islamabad Zoo is currently being re-developed as the Margalla Wildlife Centre. The initiative makes teh zoo a promising example of such a transformation.
Our approach should include robust regulatory frameworks, mandatory veterinary oversight, transparent reporting, and adherence to international standards. Zoos should focus on rescuing injured or rehabilitated wildlife, functioning like sanctuaries rather than breeding animals solely for display. Awareness programmes must inform the visitors why preserving the native ecosystems is more valuable than showcasing exotic species.
Furthermore, we must invest in staff training, infrastructure upgrades, and properly funded welfare audits. These measures will not only improve the living conditions of animals, but also enhance public trust.
Closing zoos outright risks displacing captive animals — many of whom cannot survive in the wild — and forfeits oppor-tunities for conservation work.
The zoo administrations and the public need to collaborate on a new model; one that prioritises animal wellbeing, conser-vation and education.
Let us reinvent our zoos as institutions that serve both the animals and society.
Munawar Hameed Mangalwala
Karachi
Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2025
