The Karachi Zoo, a sprawling, dilapidated institution, stands as a poignant symbol of Pakistan’s complex relationship with the natural world. Once a source of wonder and education, it has become a site of neglect, overcrowding, and ethical dilemmas. The current state of the zoo reflects a deeper societal malaise – a misplaced sense of dominance, a lack of empathy, and a failure to recognize the intrinsic value of all living beings.
The zoo’s problems are multifaceted. The infrastructure is crumbling, with many enclosures in disrepair, offering inadequate space and environmental enrichment for the animals. The animal collection itself is outdated and poorly managed, consisting largely of animals acquired through dubious means – often seized from private collectors or obtained through illegal wildlife trade. The zoo’s staff is understaffed and underpaid, leading to a lack of expertise and commitment.
However, the most significant issue is the zoo’s role in perpetuating a harmful narrative. It reinforces the idea that animals are commodities, objects to be displayed and entertained for human amusement. This mindset is particularly evident in the private ownership of exotic animals that has exploded in Pakistan. Wealthy individuals are increasingly acquiring lions, tigers, and other wild animals as status symbols, often keeping them in appalling conditions – in basements, mansions, or even wedding venues. This trend is fueled by a culture of conspicuous consumption and a disregard for animal welfare.
The zoo’s own operation contributes to this problem. By offering visitors the opportunity to see these animals, it inadvertently normalizes their captivity. It reinforces the notion that it is acceptable to keep wild animals in confined spaces for human entertainment.
The situation is further complicated by the zoo’s role in education. While the zoo was once intended to be a place where children could learn about wildlife, its current state undermines this purpose. The poor condition of the enclosures, the limited information provided to visitors, and the overall lack of expertise create a distorted and misleading impression of the natural world.
The zoo’s problems are not merely a local issue; they reflect broader challenges facing Pakistan. The country’s economy is struggling, and there is widespread corruption and inefficiency. The government has been slow to address the issue of wildlife trafficking and animal welfare.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope. A small group of dedicated individuals – including Marc Bekoff, a renowned animal behaviorist, and a team of volunteers – are working to improve the situation at the zoo. They are advocating for better animal care, improved education programs, and greater public awareness. They are also exploring the possibility of transforming the zoo into a sanctuary – a place where rescued animals can live out their lives in a more natural and humane environment.
The transformation of the Karachi Zoo would be a significant step towards addressing Pakistan’s complex relationship with the natural world. It would send a powerful message that animals are not commodities, but sentient beings deserving of respect and compassion. It would also provide a valuable opportunity to educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Ultimately, the future of the Karachi Zoo depends on the collective efforts of government, civil society, and the public. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset – a recognition that we share this planet with other living beings and that our actions have consequences.
In 2005, three lions in Ethiopia intervened in the abduction of a 12-year-old girl who had been held for a week by men attempting to force her into marriage. The lions reportedly stood guard over her for about half a day until her family and the authorities arrived, after which they returned to the bush. Such stories lend flesh to the work of Marc Bekoff, one of the foremost researchers on animal emotions. In his study, titled Animal Emotions: Exploring Passionate Natures, he argues that animals experience a wide spectrum of emotions such as joy, fear, grief, love and embarrassment. His argument is not based on sentimental projection but on observable patterns of behaviour and biological mechanisms that underpin them. If Bekoff’s work gives science its voice, then countless encounters in the wild give it a soul. From elephants who linger over their dead to crows that hold funerals, the natural world overflows with gestures that reflect our own tenderness and grief. These are not coincidences of instinct, but expressions of feeling; proof that human beings do not have monopoly over emotions. Until rationale learns to walk hand in hand with empathy, the dream of a world founded on gentle coexistence (the truest measure of civilisation) will remain out of reach. And until we learn to see the beating hearts beneath fur, feather, and scale as kin rather than conquest, we remain the lesser species; clever, yes, but not yet wise. For real wisdom would humble us into realising that this is their world, and we are only living in it.