- The project was split into five phases, and work on the first phase started in 2008, but only two enclosures were constructed before it was wrapped up due to financial constraints
The project director of remodelling of Marghzar Zoo said Monday paucity of funds was the main reason behind delay in the Rs 1.408 billion project, which was launched in 2008.
Project director Abdur Rasheed said the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had placed the much awaited remodelling of the zoo on the back burner after spending over Rs 30 million on it. He said the project was conceived in 2007 and its feasibility and designing was completed and approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) next year.
He said under the project, the zoo was to be extended to 80 acres from present over 25 acres with setting up 70 additional animal enclosures in one year.
The project was split into five phases, and work on the first phase started in 2008 but only two enclosures were constructed before it was wrapped up due to financial constraints.
“The CDA has already spent Rs 10 million on feasibility and redesigning of the zoo, and the incomplete first phase has so far consumed Rs 20 million,” he added.
Dr Bilal said the issue of lack of care for crippled and senile animals, and unhygienic conditions at the Islamabad Zoo had not been addressed for quite some time. He said that Wildlife Department had failed to draw up any plans to replace the animals. Even no efforts had been made to provide more space for the animals.
Dr Bilal at the zoo said as far as senile animals were concerned, they also needed to be replaced with fresh blood. Among the seven senile animals was Hippopotamus, whose natural life span was 35 years, he added.
“The zoo is an exhibition house which needs to have healthy and vigorous animals,” he said.
Dr Bilal said in order to meet the international standards, the zoo management should have to maintain a proper kitchen for preparing food for the animals, veterinary clinic, proper cages and enclosures.
Dr Jamshed Ali, a senior doctor of veterinary medicines (DVM), said many animals were leading miserable life in the zoo because of non-availability of their companions.
“Like human beings, animals also grow old and develop physical problems but just can’t describe their pain and sufferings.”
Some zoo officials said import of a chimpanzee would cost millions, therefore the authorities were engaged in correspondence with a private zoo in Karachi for a male chimpanzee under an exchange programme.
