Latest news with #AmirKhalil
Express Tribune
06-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Govt shuts down Lahore Zoo
Listen to article Authorities in Punjab have decided to close the Lahore Safari Zoo for 15 days starting March 11 to carry out essential maintenance and repairs, officials said. The closure will allow annual construction work and infrastructure upgrades to be completed ahead of the Eid holidays, a Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department spokesperson said. During the shutdown, all animals will undergo comprehensive medical check-ups to ensure their health and wellbeing, the spokesperson added. Lahore Safari Zoo periodically undergoes renovations to improve facilities for both animals and visitors. The zoo is expected to reopen before Eid with upgraded amenities. Moreover, in another development, a 7-year-old Asian bear who was kept in illegal captivity and used for baiting (for fighting with trained dogs) in Punjab's city Jauharabad (Khushab) was rescued earlier this week. The nonstop rescue operationfrom Vienna to Lahore; from Lahore to Jauharabad and then from Jauharabad to Islamabad ended with safe landing of the poor creature at the animal rescue & rehabilitation centre (previously Murghazar Zoo) of Islamabad. According to details, the rapid response team from global animal welfare organisation Four Paws, under the lead of Dr Amir Khalil (a well-known name now in Pakistan in animal rescue) launched a prompt rescue and relocation mission on the request of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Punjab Wildlife Department and relocated the poor creature to Islamabad's animal rescue centre. The male bear named 'Rocky' by the team was earlier confiscated by the authorities from illegal private custody after he had been subjected to severe abuse as a baiting bear. He was abused in 35 fights so far it was informed and his condition was pretty bad severely injured with several bleeding wounds on his face and back.
Express Tribune
04-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Another injured bear rescued from jugglers
A veterinarian from the global animal welfare organisation, Four Paws, treats a critically injured bear rescued from jugglers in Jhang. PHOTOS: EXPRESS A three-year-old Asian black bear, named Sunny, was rescued from jugglers in Jhang on Tuesday in a joint operation by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and global animal welfare organization, FOUR PAWS. During a veterinary examination, it was discovered that the bear's teeth had been removed and it was being exploited for local street performances (Tamasha). The rescue effort marks another step toward ending animal cruelty and ensuring better welfare for captive wildlife in Pakistan. Sunny, a former dancing bear, was rescued after being confiscated by local wildlife authorities. The bear was found to be in a critical condition, with signs of severe abuse and neglect. FOUR PAWS, in collaboration with IWMB, provided emergency medical care and relocated the bear to the IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. A thorough veterinary examination revealed that Sunny's teeth had been removed, a common practice in the dancing bear trade, leaving her defenseless. The bear was also found to be emaciated and in an anxious mental state. "We are proud to have rescued Sunny and brought her to safety," said FOUR PAWS's veterinarian leading the emergency mission in Pakistan Dr Amir Khalil. "The removal of the ring from her nose marks an important moment, as it was her last dance. Sunny is now officially retired." IWMB chairperson Aisha Humera Ch expressed heartfelt gratitude to international organisations for their invaluable support and assistance in rescue operations. The IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre serves as a haven for rescued animals, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to recover and thrive, she added. Sunny's rescue is part of FOUR PAWS' ongoing efforts to support the Pakistani government in ending the cruel exploitation of bears for entertainment, including dancing and baiting. Earlier, the first day of the holy month of Ramazan had brought much-awaited relief for a 7-year-old Asian bear who was kept in illegal captivity and used for baiting (for fighting with trained dogs) in Punjab's city Jauharabad (Khushab). The nonstop rescue operation from Vienna to Lahore; from Lahore to Jauharabad and then from Jauharabad to Islamabad ended with safe landing of the poor creature at the animal rescue & rehabilitation centre (previously Murghazar Zoo) of Islamabad. According to details, the rapid response team from Four Paws launched a prompt rescue and relocation mission on the request of the IWMB and the Punjab Wildlife Department and relocated the poor creature to Islamabad's animal rescue centre. The male bear named 'Rocky' by the team was earlier confiscated by the authorities from illegal private custody after he had been subjected to severe abuse as a baiting bear.
Express Tribune
03-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Bear rescued from abuse, illegal captivity
The first day of the holy month of Ramazan brought much-awaited relief for a 7-year-old Asian bear who was kept in illegal captivity and used for baiting (for fighting with trained dogs) in Punjab's city Jauharabad (Khushab). The nonstop rescue operationfrom Vienna to Lahore; from Lahore to Jauharabad and then from Jauharabad to Islamabadended with safe landing of the poor creature at the animal rescue & rehabilitation centre (previously Murghazar Zoo) of Islamabad. According to details, the rapid response team from global animal welfare organisation Four Paws, under the lead of Dr Amir Khalil (a well-known name now in Pakistan in animal rescue) launched a prompt rescue and relocation mission on the request of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Punjab Wildlife Department and relocated the poor creature to Islamabad's animal rescue centre. The male bear named 'Rocky' by the team was earlier confiscated by the authorities from illegal private custody after he had been subjected to severe abuse as a baiting bear. He was abused in 35 fights so far it was informed and his condition was pretty badseverely injured with several bleeding wounds on his face and back. Giving a background of the mission, the Four Paws spokesperson said they were requested by the IMWB to support with the relocation of the bear after he had been confiscated by the authorities on 27 February, 2025. His relocation was ordered by the Magistrate's Court and supported by the Assistant Director Wildlife for Punjab Region since the facility he was confiscated to could not provide the care he needed. Video material provided to Four Paws highlighted the abusive nature of bear fighting, as it showed the visibly weakened bear being attacked aggressively by dogs during a recent fight. At the animal rescue centre, Dr Amir Khalil and Dr Marina Ivanova removed the nose pin, washed Rocky's wounds and dis-infected him.
Gulf Today
02-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Rocky the bear abused in 35 fights rescued in Pakistan
A black bear called Rocky has been rescued from abuse in Pakistan's east and relocated to the capital for medical treatment, a welfare organisation said on Sunday. The bear, who is 7, had been kept illegally in Punjab province and abused in 35 fights. Local authorities intervened to move him to a safer facility. But the facility could not give him the care he needed and officials relocated Rocky to Islamabad. A team from Four Paws travelled to Pakistan to help Rocky. Veterinarians operated on him on Sunday. "We were able to release and cut the chain and nose ring,' said Dr Amir Khalil. "His condition is physically good, but he suffered. He has a fracture in the jaw and has no teeth. We have several wounds on the ear because of the fights and biting by dogs.' Khalil said bear fighting was cruel and illegal in Pakistan but it was still practised in some parts of the country. Pakistan has a troubled history with animal welfare. Last December, an elephant died at a safari park less than two weeks after being reunited with her sister. It was the latest tragedy to affect elephants in captivity in Pakistan. In 2020, a pair of sick and badly neglected dancing Himalayan brown bears left a notorious zoo in Islamabad for a sanctuary in Jordan.
The Independent
02-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Rocky the bear rescued from abuse in Pakistan's east and relocated to capital for medical treatment
A black bear called Rocky has been rescued from abuse in Pakistan's east and relocated to the capital for medical treatment, a welfare organization said Sunday. The bear, who is 7, had been kept illegally in Punjab province and abused in 35 fights. Local authorities intervened to move him to a safer facility. But the facility could not give him the care he needed and officials relocated Rocky to Islamabad. A team from Four Paws traveled to Pakistan to help Rocky. Veterinarians operated on him Sunday. 'We were able to release and cut the chain and nose ring,' said Dr Amir Khalil. 'His condition is physically good, but he suffered. He has a fracture in the jaw and has no teeth. We have several wounds on the ear because of the fights and biting by dogs.' Khalil said bear fighting was cruel and illegal in Pakistan but it was still practiced in some parts of the country. Pakistan has a troubled history with animal welfare. Last December, an elephant died at a safari park less than two weeks after being reunited with her sister. It was the latest tragedy to affect elephants in captivity in Pakistan. In 2020, a pair of sick and badly neglected dancing Himalayan brown bears left a notorious zoo in Islamabad for a sanctuary in Jordan.
