Karachi Zoo Consultant MH Pirzada has prepared the preliminary post-mortem report of the deceased chimpanzee, according to the animal Of death Caused by a heart attack.
Two animals died in Karachi Zoo this year. After Hathni Noor Jahan, a chimpanzee named Raju also died of a heart attack last Monday.
The organization working for the protection of animals has declared the animals in the small and big zoos of Karachi as unsafe.
Mahira Umar, an animal activist, told Independent Urdu that two chimpanzees, including Raju, were transferred to the zoo a year after they were brought to the safari park, where one died of frostbite.
‘Raju was always angry at being left alone.’
Mahira Omar said that chimpanzees are very close to humans and their DNA is 98% similar to humans. ‘Keeping such an animal in a cage is tantamount to cruelty and torture.’
Mahira Umar further said that ‘The chimpanzees were not provided with a natural environment in the zoo, which has been being called for for many years.
‘We wanted Raju to be retired and kept in a sanctuary so that he would have a favorable environment for such animals.’
Mahira Umar believed that the two female chimpanzees in Karachi Zoo were also unsafe.
“We have to think and understand that animals are living beings, and arbitrary confinement has a very negative effect on them. It is cruel to keep animals confined just for the entertainment of humans.
“Animals in zoos cannot be released into the wild but at least they can be given a better life like a village.”
The animals in the zoo are reaching the end of their lives
Deputy Director Karachi Zoo Dr. Aamir told Independent Urdu that Raju was 26 years old when he was transferred to the zoo in 2014. He added that the 40-year-old female chimpanzee in Karachi Zoo was rescued from a residential area of the city, while the 22-year-old chimpanzee was brought from the circus.
Dr. Aamir claimed that Karachi Zoo has more than 700 animals, including cattle and reptiles, compared to only 97 in Landhi and Korangi zoos.
He further claimed that all the animals in Karachi Zoo have reached their natural age and are now old.
“Our tigress has also grown old, while the tiger has crossed 18 years of age.”
He said that a chimpanzee normally lives for 50 years, but Raju died at the age of 42.
Dr. Aamir further said that the Australian bird in the zoo has also become old.
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All these animals were brought from abroad while no new animal has been brought to Karachi Zoo since 2009.
Recently, Sindh Province’s Wildlife Protection has handed over 14 newborn monkeys to Karachi Zoo, regarding which poor sanitation arrangements could be seen in the cages of the said monkeys in a viral video on social media.
Ali Hassan Sajid, spokesperson of Baldia-e-Uzma Karachi, told Independent Urdu that no new cages have been installed in the Karachi Zoo to house the animals since its establishment, due to lack of funds.
Due to the monsoon rains, the work on the sanctuaries to provide a natural environment to the zoo animals has been delayed, but according to the officials, it will be completed soon.
Madhubala the elephant will be shifted to the Safari Park after the establishment of Centuries.
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#Heart #Attack #Caused #Death #Chimpanzee #Karachi #Zoo #Report
**Interview with Mahira Umar, Animal Activist**
**Editor:** Welcome, Mahira Umar. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent passing of Raju, the chimpanzee at Karachi Zoo. Can you start by sharing your thoughts on Raju’s death?
**Mahira Umar:** Thank you for having me. Raju’s death is a tragic reminder of the dire conditions many animals face in zoos. He passed away from a heart attack, and it’s important to recognize that this reflects the stress and unnatural living conditions that these intelligent beings endure.
**Editor:** You mentioned that Raju’s environment was not suitable for him. Can you elaborate on that?
**Mahira Umar:** Absolutely. Chimpanzees are incredibly social animals. Raju was often isolated, which is detrimental to his mental health. We’ve known for years that keeping such highly intelligent creatures confined to small spaces is cruel. They are 98% genetically similar to humans; therefore, they thrive in environments that simulate their natural habitat, not cages.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s a broader issue at play here. What do you believe should be done moving forward?
**Mahira Umar:** Moving forward, we need to transition away from traditional zoos that prioritize entertainment over the well-being of animals. We need sanctuaries where chimpanzees like Raju can live in environments that mimic their natural habitats. Additionally, the public must advocate for changes in how we manage and protect the lives of these animals.
**Editor:** You’ve highlighted concerns not only for Raju but also for the other chimpanzees currently in the Karachi Zoo. What can be done to ensure their safety?
**Mahira Umar:** The wildlife organizations and the public should demand more scrutiny of animal welfare in these facilities. With proper assessments and interventions, we can work towards providing better living conditions. The animals already in the zoo deserve our commitment to improving their lives and ensuring they’re not subjected to undue suffering.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mahira, for sharing your insights on this important issue.
**Mahira Umar:** Thank you for bringing attention to it. This is a wake-up call for all of us to consider the impact of our entertainment choices on living beings.
