ISLAMABAD: Once a place of despair for neglected elephants and underfed lions, the Islamabad Zoo has transformed into a refuge for rescued wildlife. Shut down in 2020 due to appalling conditions, the facility now offers a lifeline to creatures like orphaned leopard cubs, exploited bears, and tigers illegally kept as status symbols.
The Islamabad Zoo’s dark past involved not only heartbreaking stories like Kaavan, the “world’s loneliest elephant,” but also countless animals who simply vanished. Today, a spirit of hope fills the air. The dedicated staff at the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) meticulously care for over 50 rescued animals, providing medical attention and a safe environment for them to heal.
Former dancing bears with removed claws, like Anila, find solace at the center alongside animals rescued from brutal practices like bear baiting. The IWMB actively combats animal cruelty through rescues and advocacy, pushing for stricter laws and an Islamabad Nature and Wildlife Management Act to strengthen animal protections.
The future of the wildlife center is uncertain. While the IWMB envisions a permanent sanctuary, the local authority debates reopening it as a zoo. The IWMB argues that zoos fail to replicate natural habitats and true conservation lies in protecting wildlife in their natural state.
The Islamabad Wildlife Center’s journey is a testament to the power of change. From a symbol of neglect to a beacon of hope, this center offers a second chance to countless animals while sparking a vital conversation about animal welfare and conservation in Pakistan.
