MARGHAZAR ZOO
Marghazar Zoo Islamaabd will be transformed into a conservation center.
Islamabad Zoo previously Marghazar Zoo Islamabad, is an 82-acre zoo in Islamabad Capital Territory. It was opened in 1978 and remained under the administration of Capital Development Authority of Pakistan. In May 2020 the High Court ruled to transfer management of the park to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. High Court further ordered to transfer all animals to shelters. The park remained closed after High court’s order.
Now the Ministry of Climate Change has decided to convert the infamous Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad into a conservation centre.
According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, a budget of Rs1.6 million is approved for the construction of the Margalla Conservation Center. Islamabad Wildlife Management Board will bring animals back. These animals were sent to multiple sanctuaries.
“A rescue center will be built inside the centre,” the spokesperson said. He further added that operations at the center would be in line with the standards currently being pursued at the international level.
The Ministry has approached wildlife experts and asked them to give their suggestions. The details regarding bringing back animals to the zoo will be discussed in a meeting of the wildlife department today [Tuesday 8.11.2020].
The Wildlife Conservation Center (WCC) mission is to actively engage in the breeding and propagation of endangered, threatened, and vulnerable wildlife species. It ensures future sustainable populations of genetic diversity that may ultimately be reintroduced into their native habitats.
In May, the Islamabad High Court had instructed to shift 917 animals and birds in the zoo to sanctuaries after reports of lack of facilities and adverse living conditions surfaces.
Many activists rejoiced after the court’s orders. The High Court announced the verdict on three combined petitions: relocation of two brown bears, treatment of Kaavan, and stopping the shooting of stray dogs.
Kaavan, Pakistan’s last Asian elephant, was shifted to Cambodia earlier this month.
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