Top Zoos in Pakistan and their environment

            Zoos play an important role in wildlife conservation and protection by focusing on breeding programs for endangered species, educational research, and providing shelter for many animals that cannot survive in an open environment. They also help raise awareness about wildlife conservation issues and foster a culture of love and respect for animals and wildlife officers and workers. We are Muslims and our religion tells a lot about the rights of animals and their protection, but we are all unaware of the behavior of animals and don’t take a single step to learn them.

Our respected zoologists, directors, wildlife officers, and workers did not know how to protect the animals, breeding seasons, mating patterns, animals’ behavior, and awareness programs about wildlife species. Of course, some officers are well-educated, kind-hearted, hard-working in their profession, and earn halal money. We should respect good officers and make efforts to bring zoos under those responsible officers. All the zoos, safari parks, and national parks are aimed at looting the money from common people. This is not just the negligence of our officers or workers, even we (the public of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) did not read that human food is not beneficial for some animals like naan, bread, and many products made of plastic are very harmful for animals, birds, and other wildlife species.

Pakistan is home to several well-known zoos dedicated to protecting and conserving wildlife. Let’s explore the top zoos in the country and the ways each contributes to the conservation of nature and our environment.

The list of top zoos of Pakistan are

1. Lahore Zoo
2. Lahore Safari Park
3. Karachi Zoo
4. Bahawalpur Zoo
5. Marghazar Zoo

Many other zoos are in different cities, divisions, and district levels. Some are big and some are mini.

Lahore Zoo:

Lahore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It was established in 1872. The zoo is home to different animals. It has become an important center for wildlife conservation.

Location:

92 – Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, The, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Jinnah Town, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan.

Price:

The price is 100 rupees for entering the zoo. It may be increased over time.

Areas:

The zoo contained a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. Each has a separate place to live, but unfortunately, the habitat of an organism does not provide. Many controversies are heard that the boys are killed by lions, due to negligence of workers or something else.

Elephant:

Elephants are the most popular and attractive corner of the zoo. Everybody loves to see elephants because they are very friendly and intelligent. The zoo’s only elephant named “SUZI”, had been a resident at the zoo since 1988. In May 2017, it died due to several illnesses. Until now, the zoo’s management can’t afford the elephant.

Many species of reptiles like snakes, and crocodiles are present here.

Lahore Safari Park:

                           Lahore Safari Park or Safari Zoo is one of the finest and beautiful zoos in Pakistan. It has a peaceful environment. In 2023, the zoo are closed temporarily for upgrading. Before upgrading, people used their vehicles to visit the whole zoo. But now, we have to pay for everything. It’s too expensive for some people. The government should reconsider it and reduce the price. It has a destination of a variety of foods but is too expensive.

The environment of the zoo is also clean and in some places are dirty. The management of zoos must keep it neat and clean for not just the visitors but also for the animals.

They have many deer and their types, but they don’t have elephants, giraffes, rhinos, or crocodiles. They have a limited number of animals, including lions and tigers.

There is also a pond where one can ride on a boat. Many swings for children and adults. At the weekend, the zoo is full of families and children. There is also a shop where we can buy antique things like animal skulls, swords, temples, and mosques made of wood and metal. We can also ride on a horse, the fee is almost 100 rupees are may be increased over time.

Enhanced knowledge: List of activities prohibited in national parks

Aviary houses:

This zoo consists of beautiful large aviary houses that are well-managed and provide the best place for birds. Many birds are under a roof and each has its place. Some water birds live in a large pool under a large net. This place is used for families. The male one cannot go inside. When I visit, this place is free of cost to visit here and you also buy some food for the birds and feed them.

Location:

96J9+88C, Wildlife Park Rd, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Almost 3km from the University of Lahore.

Tickets Price:

• 100 rupees per person entrée fee
• 200 rupees per head electric vehicle fee
• 200 rupees per person Aquarium fee
• 300 rupees per person lion safari fee

Species:

Karachi zoo:

It was established in 1878, making it one of Pakistan’s oldest zoos and the second oldest worldwide. The zoo is famous for its expensive grounds and various types of species. The zoo aims to conserve rare species through breeding programs and protect them by providing natural habitats for organisms. Zoos are also used for research purposes.

Location:

V2GF+F63, Pawara chowk, near zoo park, Garden East Millat Nagar, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

This zoo has also historical natural museums, which include antlers, skins, horns, feathers, and other animal stuff. This museum is especially used by zoology students for research purposes and to know the history of organisms. Karachi Zoo has a variety of places.

1. Elephant house
2. Reptile house
3. Mughal gardens
4. White lions
5. Veterinary hospital
6. An aquarium

Species:

Bahawalpur zoo:

It was established in 1942 in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The Bahawalpur Zoo is the 4^th biggest zoo in Pakistan. The zoo has an aquarium, zoological museums, birds, reptiles, and mammals. This zoo contained a large number of species some are exotic and some native.

Location:

Stadium Road, Old City Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100, Pakistan

Zoological garden:

There is a zoological garden in the zoo, which is used for those who study Zoology. It may be used who study the evolutionary history of organisms. In the zoological garden, there are many sculptures of animals, birds, and some rocks. We should establish more zoological gardens and promote the culture of studying the behavior of animals and birds.

Different types of animals and birds are here to protect and provide them with their natural habitat and joy for the children. It also has some species of reptiles.

Islamabad Zoo or Marghazar Zoo:

The Zoo is situated in Islamabad, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This zoo is an attraction for families during Eid holidays, summer vacations, school trips, and visitors. The zoo plays an important role in rescuing endangered and vulnerable species in the wild.The zoo consists of 82 acres and is under the control of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The zoo is temporarily closed due to the improvement of the infrastructure, upgrading the cages of animals, and renovating the conservation areas.

Location:

Pir Sohawa Rd, Saidpur, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan

An elephant and two brown bears are found to be sick due to negligence and the habitat. So the management decided to move these animals to their natural habitat. Some animal lovers are happy about this decision and children are sad about it because they want to see them. We should cooperate with the management of wildlife and protect our planet.

Many animals are dead due to negligence of our behavior towards animals and less knowledge about the animals. There are also sculptures of different species of dinosaurs that attract the eyes of the visitors.

Species:

There are many more species of birds, animals, and reptiles. We should visit all the zoos and museums in the country and treat animals and officers of wildlife with respect. The animals are also the creatures of Allah Almighty, we should treat them with kindness and feed them properly. We should load animals with as much stuff as they can pick up easily. In Hereafter, we should be responsible for our actions.

Why do we visit zoos?

• We must visit the zoo because it can provide
• They are places for education and research.
• We enjoy quality time together.
• It can reduce the screening time.
• We learn about wildlife conservation and love for animals.
• We take a breath in a natural environment.
• Learn about the history of organisms.
• See the beauty of the universe
• Children are learning the care and protection of animals
• Learn about the feed and behavior of animals
• We learn that we should plant more trees for not just wildlife but also for us (Humans)

Role of Pakistani zoo in local ecosystem conservation:

Pakistani Zoos actively support the local ecosystem by encouraging biodiversity and protecting species threatened in the wild. The administration of Pakistani Zoo cooperates with national and international agencies to reintroduce and maintain healthy ecosystems. It promotes the native species.

Zoos Faced Challenges in Pakistan:

• Limited funding
• Outdated facilities
• Needs of animals and public demand
• No public awareness
• Education
• Corrupt officers
• Un-educated workers
• Nepotism
• Bad administration
• Greediness, excessive desire for wealth
• Looting the common man

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