ISLAMABAD: In an important development for wildlife conservation, Four Paws, an international animal welfare organisation, has returned to Islamabad to provide crucial medical treatment to eight bears rescued since 2021.

On a five-day visit, Four Paws went to work immediately and put Aneela (female bear) under anesthesia to remove the nose ring and gave it a complete health check-up. About seven years old, Aneela had had the nose ring for five years and removing it required delicate procedure which was performed by Dr Frank Goritz, head veterinarian at Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin.

Four Paws returned on the urgent request of Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). The team of veterinarians and wildlife experts will support the wildlife authorities with the treatment and neutering of eight resident bears at the rescue and rehabilitation centre (old Islamabad zoo). The team would also assist in planned rescue and relocation of new confiscated bears from bear baiting, dancing and breeding activities.

Teaming up with the IWMB came after Punjab Minister for Wildlife Maryam Aurangzeb ordered all wildlife departments to raid districts in Punjab and confiscate dancing bears. Aneela, the female bear, was confiscated by Gujranwala wildlife department and handed over to IWMB’s wildlife rescue centre for rehabilitation.

Animal welfare body says it aims to end illegal bear keeping practices in Pakistan

“Aneela was treated by expert veterinarians from Four Paws. She underwent a comprehensive medical examination during which the team removed a nose pin and treated broken teeth and injuries inflicted by poachers. Other injuries were identified and successfully treated, ensuring Aneela’s well-being and future health,” IWMB Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan told Dawn.

According to the official, Four Paws was set to examine the remaining seven bears rescued by IWMB in coming days, providing them with the necessary medical attention and care. Four Paws had recommended establishing a permanent sanctuary for bears at the site of the old zoo, providing a safe and suitable environment for the rescued animals in the near future, she said.

“They will now be working with IWMB to establish a permanent sanctuary at the site of the old zoo. This collaboration between Four Paws, IWMB and the Punjab Wildlife Department marks a significant step forward in wildlife conservation efforts in Pakistan. It highlights the importance of cooperation between governmental and non-governmental organisations in protecting and preserving the country’s precious wildlife,” she said.

Four Paws maintained that the cruel practices violated local animal welfare regulations and caused massive animal suffering. In cooperation with the Pakistani government, it aimed to end illegal bear keeping practices in the country.

After arriving at the rescue and rehab centre, the experts said they would examine and treat the bears already located at the rescue centre. The focus would be on implementing measures to prevent breeding among the rescued bears. The team would also provide recommendations to ensure the future high quality and species-appropriate care of all the bears. Moreover, Four Paws was awaiting a pending court decision that would decide the fate of four Asiatic black bear cubs in Punjab.

“It is crucial to assess the health of all bears and our priority to neuter them to prevent unwanted breeding. That way we can ensure ethical wildlife management going forward. We are grateful for the trust of the Pakistani authorities in our expertise and committed to improve the lives of as many bears as possible. We will also support the preparation of enclosures for the new arrivals at the rescue centre and ensure proper care for all animals going forward,” said Four Paws veterinarian Dr Amir Khalil, who leads the action in Pakistan.

IWMB’s rescue and rehabilitation centre is housing eight Asiatic black bears rescued from illegal private keeping as dancing bears.

“In our decades-long work to help exploited and abused bears around the world, we have seen the terrible suffering of bears mistreated for human entertainment such as baiting or dancing. Four Paws welcomes the action the Pakistani government is taking against such cruel practices, and we are happy to work together on this important cause. Our collaboration aims to find sustainable long-term solutions for the animals and help law enforcement to effectively put an end to the illegal practices of dancing bears and bear baiting in Pakistan,” said Josef Pfabigan, the CEO and president of Four Paws.

The IWMB chairperson said that her office was considering a forever home for the rescued Asiatic black bears at the rescue and rehab centre where there was ample space. “These bears are captured as cubs and cannot be released back into the wild due to old age or injury – many die of starvation as they never learned how to hunt for food or had their claws and teeth removed,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2024