Bengal Tiger at Bahawalpur zoo falls ill, video sparks concern

A 20-year-old Bengal tiger at the Bahawalpur Zoo has fallen ill, and a video of the tiger’s condition has gone viral on social media, raising concerns from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The Bengal tiger, which was transferred to Bahawalpur Zoo from Lahore in 2010, has been reported to have a deteriorating health condition, with one of its eyes damaged and other health issues visible.

WWF Pakistan’s Director, Hammad Naqi, expressed concern over the tiger’s condition, urging the authorities to take immediate action in accordance with the guidelines set by the World Association of Zoos.

He emphasized that sick and elderly animals should not be put on public display and that urgent attention is needed for the well-being of animals in zoos, Express News reported.

Photo: FILE

Photo: FILE

On the other hand, Assistant Director of Wildlife in Bahawalpur, Syed Ali Usman, clarified that the tiger, which had been transferred from Lahore, was suffering from age-related difficulties.

He explained that Bengal tigers in the wild typically live for 10 to 15 years, while in captivity they can live up to 20 years. Due to old age, the tiger has difficulty walking, and its hind legs are weak with a sagging lower body.

The tiger is regularly dewormed and examined. It is being provided with minced meat and vitamins as part of its diet.

Syed Ali Usman further stated that the tiger is taken outside daily for exposure to sunlight and fresh air to maintain its health.

Special arrangements have been made to care for the tiger, and its health is being closely monitored at the Bahawalpur Zoo.

Previously visitors to the Lahore Zoo were met with an unwelcome surprise on New Year’s Day as a new entry fee structure sparked widespread protests.

The private company now managing the zoo, under a Rs500-million contract, introduced an additional charge, raising the entry fee to Rs300.

Families from various cities visiting the zoo expressed outrage over the increased fees, with many deciding to leave in protest.

The company managing the zoo took over operations, including entry tickets and parking, on January 1.

Additionally, the trend of breeding wildlife animals, especially big cats, is increasing among common people in the city while wildlife breeding centers built in urban settlements are also becoming a major source of threat to the public.

An African lion was shot dead in the Harbanspura area of Lahore. The African lion had escaped from an illegal breeding farm built in the urban area and was shot dead by the security guard of the breeding farm.

Earlier, a female leopard was shot dead at the Bedian Road, after she had entered a private farmhouse.

During the investigation, it came to light that the female leopard had escaped a few days before being killed from a private wildlife breeding farm set up in the Kahna area.

Fortunately, there were no reports of any human harm from these dangerous animals, but the news of their escape from the breeding farms had definitely created panic among the locals.