PR No. 36 Islamabad: May 7, 2018

A meeting of Provincial Zoo Management Authorities was held in Ministry of Climate Change to discuss issues of zoo management in Pakistan under the Chairmanship of Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change on 7th May, 2018. Issue of recent mortality of Snow leopard at Peshawar Zoo was also discussed at the meeting. She was informed that the snow leopard concerned was confiscated when it was two years old and that it died at the age of nine years due to heart failure. It was urged that for smooth management of zoos in Pakistan, a national level body “Pakistan Zoo Association” may be established. The proposed body may work on zoo management and animal welfare issues in Pakistan. It was desired that zoos may collaborate in sharing of experiences and animal exchange at national level. It was felt that there is a need to build capacity of the zoo management staff in handling the animals in captivity. The meeting urged that wildlife veterinary courses may be included in the curriculum of veterinary sciences which are largely based on livestock management only. The chair urged that, collaboration with international organizations working on zoo management may help to build capacity for effective zoo management in Pakistan. She also highlighted the importance of private public partnership and corporate social responsibility in helping better management of zoos. The meeting ended at a vote of thanks. *-*-*-*-*

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