The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed authorities to submit a report on the health and living conditions of all animals at Karachi Zoo, following Tuesday’s decision to transfer brown bear Rano to a sanctuary for medical care. The case of Rano, a female Himalayan brown bear who stirred public outcry over her ailing health in the zoo, has brought into sharp focus the neglect of animals kept in captivity in Karachi. Rano’s relocation was finally ordered on Tuesday by the SHC after a petition was submitted to recognise her deteriorating condition. During the continuation of the hearing of the case today, the SHC called for a further report on all animals kept in captivity at the zoo. The report is to include details on animals’ “physical and psychological health, living conditions, qualifications and training of zoo staff”, as well as alternative plans for animals if they are shifted from the zoo, according to lawyer Jibran Nasir, who was representing Rano’s case on behalf of the petitioner Jude Allen Pereira. According to Nasir, details of the staff and their qualifications have been summoned from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), while the report on the zoo has been summoned from a committee already notified by the Sindh government to ensure Rano’s transfer, with the addition of some more members by the court. The Sindh government has also been directed to visit the zoo and review the facilities provided to animals. Nasir termed the decision a “massive achievement”, saying it was made possible by the combined efforts of animal rights activists, experts, and the media that raised awareness of the issue. “We are deeply indebted to the empathy, understanding and judicial will of the honourable bench to make a difference in not just the lives of these animals, but for the education and sensitisation of the society at large with regards to animals and their rights,” he told. Regarding Rano’s relocation, KMC advocate Barrister Asad Ahmed said, “The progress report states that first Rano will be transferred to Islamabad, and then to Gilgit.” He added that training would be given in preparation for the relocation. Nasir also said that the proposal of Wildlife Conservative Javed Mehar could be implemented. Mehar suggested that Rano could be transported to Islamabad via road as well as by airplane. “We have all the arrangements made in this regard and have transported animals before,” he told the court, adding that training was administered prior to the transfer of animals. Justice Iqbal Kalhoro, who heard the case, pointed out in today’s hearing that Rano’s case was not a solitary one. “It is not a problem of any one animal, but many animals are being affected by it,” he said. Kalhoro slammed the current treatment of the animals by zoos, saying, “Zoos should be abolished and animals should be in natural habitats.” He noted that it seemed “very difficult” to maintain the zoos here. Advocate Nasir pointed out to the court that the zoos built in the city fell under the KMC, while bringing to the court’s attention the state of facilities.
SHC orders report on animals’ health, living conditions at Karachi Zoo
Published on: October 17, 2025 10:34 PM