THIS is apropos the letter ‘Why shut down zoos?’ (Jan 5). Most modern zoos of the world display wild animals primarily for conservation of endangered species as well as for research purposes and education, and, secondarily, for entertaining the visitors.

The word ‘zoo’ is the short form for zoological gardens. It is also called an animal park.

It is a facility where animals are housed within enclosures that are meant to resemble their natural habitat where they are cared for, displayed to the public, and bred in some cases.

It is understandable that to prevent the coronavirus spread, the zoos in the country had to be closed to the public. It was therefore natural that there would be no revenues as there would be no visitors.

But this should not mean permanent closure of the zoo in Islamabad and the shifting of all of its animals to other facilities.

The departments concerned should revisit the decision. It should also be ensured that the zoo’s managers take care of the animals at all costs.

Mohammad Nauman
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2021