The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered a detailed report on the health and living conditions of all animals at Karachi Zoo. This comes after the court approved the relocation of Rano, a sick Himalayan brown bear, to a sanctuary. The court demanded that the report include animals’ physical and mental health, their enclosures, and staff qualifications. It also asked for alternative plans for animals if they are removed from the zoo. The court said poor treatment of animals must not continue.
Rano’s case sparked public outrage after reports of her suffering surfaced earlier this year. Kept alone in a barren cage since 2017, she developed injuries and stress-related behaviors. A report in February noted that loud noises, stress, and isolation had affected her mental state. Earlier this month, she was found with a head injury infected by maggots. Activists accused the zoo of neglect, while officials claimed the bear had self-harmed. SHC responded by ordering her transfer for urgent medical care.
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The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) said Rano would first be moved to Islamabad, then Gilgit. Training and transport arrangements are underway, possibly by road or air. Wildlife official Javed Mehar said they had experience in relocating animals safely. The court asked the Sindh government to visit the zoo and evaluate all animal facilities. A new committee with additional members will oversee the assessment and submit findings before the next hearing.
Justice Iqbal Kalhoro, who led the hearing, strongly criticized the condition of animals in zoos. He questioned the point of keeping animals in captivity when natural habitats were better. “You make money from zoos but do not spend on animals,” he said. He even suggested abolishing zoos and replacing them with proper national parks. Kalhoro invited a formal petition on banning zoos in Pakistan, indicating that the court is open to reviewing related laws.
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Animal rights lawyer Jibran Nasir praised the court’s actions, calling them a major win for animal welfare. He said this progress was possible due to activists, experts, and media raising awareness. He emphasized that protecting animals also educates society about empathy and rights. The SHC has adjourned the case for two weeks and expects a progress report in the next hearing. Meanwhile, Rano’s rescue may mark a turning point for how captive animals are treated in Pakistan.