Plans for a zoo in Peshawar : Caging cruelty or cruelly caging?: City?s zoo comes with more questions than answers – The Express Tribune
News about the new planned zoo : Peshawar zoo to be inaugurated by December 2016 - The Express Tribune
Under construction since November '16, Peshawar zoo finally opened to the public on 12th February. Being spread over an area of 29 acres, it's Pakistan's biggest zoo by size. I haven't visited yet (do plan on doing so tomorrow) but from images I've seen the enclosure seem to be of pretty good sizes compared to others in the country. One thing I've noticed is that they've put in quite an effort in engaging the public - something that other zoos in the country haven't given a lot of attention, relying on their part legacy to attract visitors. There is barely any enrichment for bigger animals but I'm hoping that'll change since they still have a lot of their allocated budget (210 million rupees ~ $ 1900000). The collection is quite varied with some species not being kept anywhere else is Pakistan. The highlights include a pair of lions, donated from Lahore zoo, a pair of Asiatic black bears, markhors, a snow leopard, most probably transferred from Lalazar wildlife park, and three Indian leopards among others. The walk-thru aviary and snake house are still under construction although the former already houses all the birds that it's supposed to. The bird if prey collection includes some species that aren't currently housed anywhere else in the country, although they might not seem very impressive when compared to zoos worldwide. Out of the budget, 27 million rupees have been allocated to acquire animals not available from within the country, including elephants and giraffes which are set to be brought in the coming months. Since the zoo is funded by the government the entrance fee is very low ; 40 rupees ($ 0.36) for adults and 10 rupees ($ 0.09) for children. I'll be uploading pictures if I go tomorrow.
Less than 3 months after it's public opening Peshawar zoo has welcomed it's first new borns. A leopard gave birth to quadruplets on Monday. The cubs are currently off display to the public The leopardess and her mate are of the Indian subspecies and were brought in from Hazara and Malakand areas of Pakistan. The zoo currently holds 2 female leopards, Stella and Monna but right now I don't know the identity of the mother.
Errr..., the mate ... and currently 2 female leopards at the zoo)? The male has died since or is no longer there?
One female is kept separately, the second male is yet to arrive. I'm pretty sure it's Stella that's given birth but I'm gonna confirm it from the zoo. And no the male is still resident in the zoo.
Difficulties by obtaining permission to get a pair of African elephants : Peshawar Zoo authorities move court seeking permission to import elephants | SAMAA
Previously they were supposed to get 4 elephants from Namibia. That didn't go through because of the new CITES regulations. Hopefully this doesn't happen either, because mostly when Zimbabwe exports elephants they're infants.
I am not quite sure if I can relate nor agree on the current CITES stance brought forward by far out animal rights groups. CITES is a framework to regulate wildlife trade and thus prevent the undesirable conduits of subterfuge and undercover and illegal trade of wild animals and plants. To ban regulated trade in elephants effectively condemn any trade deal to underground conduits. For the record also: elephant populations in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe remain relatively well protected and there is nothing wrong with cash for conservation. Where now is the cash from animal rights groups to conserve wild elephants and other endangered species in these range countries. Absolutely, nil and none. Point taken: patient will perish! On the subject of a desirability for African elephants to come to Peshawar Zoo, I would observe that given the present socio-economic climate and general state of Pakistan's zoos any wildlife deal with southern African countries would be a no go. First and foremost, local zoos need to conform to standards set by the Wildlife Department for maintaining wildlife at all and also that authorities and local administrations properly support their zoo network to operate professionally and to a good standard.
This is because wildlife trade with East or any other directional in Africa is not very common. I believe only Tanzania has a regulated exporting business for wildlife.
