PESHAWAR: The Peshawar Zoo has lost three recently-born cubs of common leopard, weeks after another one died, official sources said.

They said the common leopard had given birth to four cubs about a month ago. One of the cubs expired a few days later while the remaining three survived. However, these expired in the zoo about two or three days ago, but management of the zoo did not disclose it.

When contacted, zoo manager Mohammad Ali Shah said that he was in the mosque and could not talk to the media. “Brother, I am in the mosque and can’t talk to you,” he replied.

Several wild animals have died in the newly-established zoo which was inaugurated in February. A snow leopard, fallow deer and a monkey are among the dead.

A wildlife expert told Dawn that mishandling and lack of experience were main reasons for the death of animals. The snow leopard was brought from a sanctuary at Ayubia National Park and apparently died due to high temperatures.

A monkey was killed when a wolf attacked the animal as both were put in the same cage. Following the death of animals in the zoo the provincial environment department has ordered inquiry to ascertain the reasons.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2018