Latest news with #PunjabWildlifeandParksDepartment
Express Tribune
30-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Three ecotourism projects planned
The Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has initiated an ecotourism development programme at Changa Manga, Uchali Lake and Chashma Wetlands. The initiative, part of an Annual Development Programme (ADP) scheme funded by the provincial government, aims to establish environmentally responsible infrastructure that promotes nature-based tourism, wildlife conservation, and community engagement. According to official documents, the department has invited applications for pre-qualification from eligible contractors to undertake the development work. Firms licensed with the Pakistan Engineering Council and holding specific technical certifications are eligible to apply. Foreign companies may participate only in joint ventures with Pakistani firms. A mandatory requirement for all bidders is the engagement of an International ecotourism development specialist, who must remain involved throughout the project. Applicants are also required to demonstrate significant technical and financial credentials, including prior experience in large-scale infrastructure development, thematic recreational facilities such as safari parks or zoological gardens, and electrification works. The firms must show an average annual turnover of Rs4.5 billion over the last three years and have access to at least Rs3 billion in working capital or credit facilities. Companies engaged in the supply of wildlife must hold valid certifications from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the climate change ministry. This initiative designed in line with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria marks the province's first structured push to blend conservation with tourism. Officials from the forests, wildlife and fisheries department emphasised that the sites had been chosen for their ecological importance.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Multiple rare animals die at Lahore Zoo amid health concerns
Listen to article Lahore Zoo has recently witnessed the deaths of several rare animals, including a Gemsbok antelope and newborn Nyala calves. Additionally, a Sindh Ibex has suffered severe injuries due to intraspecies conflict. According to the Punjab Wildlife Department spokesperson, two Nyala females, which were imported from abroad, gave birth to calves within a short interval. However, both newborns were extremely weak, unable to stand or nurse. Despite being transferred to the zoo hospital for intensive care and feeding, they did not survive, with one dying on Thursday and the other on Friday. In a separate incident, one of the three Gemsbok antelopes at the zoo succumbed to a sudden illness, while another remains critically ill and is under treatment. The deceased female Gemsbok, a species native to arid African regions, developed severe respiratory distress due to the cold weather. The post-mortem report confirmed respiratory complications as the cause of death. Another Gemsbok is also reportedly in critical condition, receiving medical attention. Furthermore, a pregnant Scimitar Oryx underwent an emergency C-section to save her life. While the mother survived the procedure, the unborn calf did not. Meanwhile, a Sindh Ibex sustained a serious eye injury following a fight with another of its kind. Sources suggest that the deaths of the Nyala calves could be attributed to environmental changes and stress related to transportation. The challenges of relocating pregnant animals and the impact of travel stress on their health remain significant concerns. Zoo authorities acknowledged the difficulties in conducting medical examinations, including ultrasounds, on pregnant animals, as physical restraint can cause distress and potential harm to the fetus. The alternative sedation method also carries inherent risks. Veterinary teams are currently assessing these incidents to develop better protocols for neonatal care and improve the survival rates of newborn animals at the zoo. Earlier, Authorities in Punjab decided to close the Lahore Safari Zoo for 15 days starting March 11 to carry out essential maintenance and repairs, officials said. The closure will allow annual construction work and infrastructure upgrades to be completed ahead of the Eid holidays, a Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department spokesperson said.
Express Tribune
06-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Govt shuts down Lahore Zoo
Listen to article Authorities in Punjab have decided to close the Lahore Safari Zoo for 15 days starting March 11 to carry out essential maintenance and repairs, officials said. The closure will allow annual construction work and infrastructure upgrades to be completed ahead of the Eid holidays, a Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department spokesperson said. During the shutdown, all animals will undergo comprehensive medical check-ups to ensure their health and wellbeing, the spokesperson added. Lahore Safari Zoo periodically undergoes renovations to improve facilities for both animals and visitors. The zoo is expected to reopen before Eid with upgraded amenities. Moreover, in another development, a 7-year-old Asian bear who was kept in illegal captivity and used for baiting (for fighting with trained dogs) in Punjab's city Jauharabad (Khushab) was rescued earlier this week. The nonstop rescue operationfrom Vienna to Lahore; from Lahore to Jauharabad and then from Jauharabad to Islamabad ended with safe landing of the poor creature at the animal rescue & rehabilitation centre (previously Murghazar Zoo) of Islamabad. According to details, the rapid response team from global animal welfare organisation Four Paws, under the lead of Dr Amir Khalil (a well-known name now in Pakistan in animal rescue) launched a prompt rescue and relocation mission on the request of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Punjab Wildlife Department and relocated the poor creature to Islamabad's animal rescue centre. The male bear named 'Rocky' by the team was earlier confiscated by the authorities from illegal private custody after he had been subjected to severe abuse as a baiting bear. He was abused in 35 fights so far it was informed and his condition was pretty bad severely injured with several bleeding wounds on his face and back.
