LAHORE: The Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department has introduced portable X-Ray services for the diagnosis and treatment of captive wild animals.

This state-of-the-art diagnostic facility, which operates through the Wildlife Hospital at Lahore Safari Zoo, has recently been used to conduct on-site radiography of a fallow deer and a python housed at Lahore Zoo.

The diagnostic procedures were conducted on under the direction of Lahore Zoo Director Ghulam Rasool, under the supervision of Deputy Director Shahzaib Khurshid.

Traditionally, radiography of wild animals required their safe immobilisation, after which they needed to be transported to an external veterinary facility, before being returned to their enclosures after the procedure. This process was not only time-consuming but also exposed animals to unnecessary handling, transportation stress and associated health risks.

The director says the introduction of portable digital X-ray technology has transformed this process, enabling veterinarians to perform the diagnostic imaging directly in the animal enclosure or treatment site.

He says this innovation significantly reduces transportation-related stress, enhances animal welfare, minimises potential complications during their movement, and enables faster clinical decision-making.

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential in wildlife medicine, where timely intervention often determines the success of treatment and recovery. He says that through successful deployment of this technology the Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department has strengthened its wildlife healthcare infrastructure in accordance with the international standards.

He termed it a major step forward in improving emergency response, disease diagnosis, orthopedic assessment, and the overall medical management of captive wildlife across Punjab.

The operationalisation of the services is expected to benefit a wide range of wildlife species by facilitating efficient, safe, and high-quality diagnostic care.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2026