LAHORE: The Lahore Zoo has failed to acquire a new elephant after the death of Suzi, almost three months back, thanks to the lack of interest and general apathy of the administration.
The Lahore Zoo, which was established in 1872, had attained the fame of well-maintained recreational spots for the general public. But the zoo now has started losing luster after the death of several animals who were the main attractions, including Suzi, lions, a giraffe and many other birds. The seriousness and disinterest of the zoo administration can be gauged from the fact that it has placed a camel in the elephant’s enclosure, bringing disappointment on the faces of visiting parents and children alike.
The zoo experiences an influx of visitors during the weekends and holidays, and on special occasions likes Eid, Independence Day etc.
Kids at the zoo were disappointed at the absence of an elephant. “I miss Suzi a lot”, said Tayyab, who had come from Harbanpura to see an elephant.
Mohammad Hussain, the caretaker of Suzi, said: “I miss Suzi a lot. I am in a state of shock even today. Suzi was like my child. No other elephant will replace Suzi in my heart.”
Kids’ favourite Suzi died three months ago. The elephant was imported in 1988 and was a great attraction for children, adults and old ones, ever since she was brought to the zoo. It remained in the zoo for more than 25 years. She died at the age of 31, though the natural life span of elephants is about 50 years. Suzi had died due to the criminal negligence of the zoo administration as she was suffering from an acute ailment but no real treatment was provided to her. Lahore Zoo Director Shafqat Ali was suspended soon after Suzi’s death, on account of inefficiency regarding lack of proper steps for the treatment of the elephant. Suzi had also remained alone in the zoo, despite the recommendation of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) which states: “Each zoo holding elephants must have a minimum of three females (or the space to accommodate three females), two males or three elephants of mixed gender.”
Lahore Zoo Deputy Director Tanveer Ahmed Janjua said that they are trying to procure an elephant at the earliest. “Elephants will be arranged soon. A committee has been formed in this regard and work will start soon. Elephant enclosure will be widened this time as we plan to bring a pair.”
However, it has been learnt that the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Punjab approved Rs 322.17 million budget for Lahore Zoo while only Rs 114.95 million have been specified for animal procurement by the zoo. The sources said that the zoo still plans to bring a single elephant due to budgetary constraints. Rs 1.4 million food expenses are required to keep an elephant in good health which is difficult to manage for zoo administration, the sources added.