Delay in Animal Imports for Lahore Zoo and Safari Park Amid Quarantine Clearance Issues

Lahore: The import of giraffes, rhinos, and a hippopotamus from South Africa for the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park has been delayed due to the lack of clearance from the Animal Quarantine Department, creating fresh challenges for Punjab Wildlife authorities.
Previously, the plan to import elephants also faced delays, and now the arrival of other large animals has become uncertain. Despite the hurdles, Punjab Wildlife officials remain hopeful that the animals will soon be brought to Pakistan.
Under the ongoing revamping project, which began in 2023 under the caretaker government with a budget of approximately PKR 5 billion, various animals and birds have been purchased from local and international sources. However, the import of several major animals is still pending. These include 12 giraffes (9 for Lahore Safari and 3 for Lahore Zoo), three rhinos (one for the zoo and a pair for the safari), and one male hippopotamus for the zoo.
Mudasar Hassan, Director of the Revamping Project, confirmed that while the Ministry of Climate Change has issued NOCs for animals like rhinos, hippos, giraffes, nyala antelopes, and zebras (excluding elephants), the Animal Quarantine Department has not granted import permission, citing concerns over health certification.
Officials at the Animal Quarantine Department stated that the health certificates of the animals are under review to ensure they meet Pakistan’s import regulations. If current documentation is insufficient, further verification from importers will be required. The department emphasized that the process is precautionary to prevent the entry of diseases, particularly Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which is present in parts of Africa but not in Pakistan.
Due to FMD concerns, a temporary ban is in place on the import of animals such as rhinos, giraffes, and hippos. Authorities advised Punjab Wildlife to consider sourcing animals from FMD-free countries. However, Mudasar Hassan noted that this is not a practical option, as such animals are either unavailable or not in surplus elsewhere, and logistical challenges, such as the unavailability of suitable cargo aircraft, also exist.
He added that the animals would undergo quarantine in South Africa before export, and upon arrival in Pakistan, they would be kept in isolation for 15 to 30 days. Furthermore, FMD has not been reported in rhinos or hippos, and these animals will be housed in zoos and safari parks, far from livestock.
While Punjab Wildlife and the Quarantine Department hold differing positions, WWF-Pakistan representative Dr. Uzma Khan suggested that it is preferable to import animals from other zoos, safaris, or breeding farms rather than from the wild. Wild animals, when placed in captivity, often suffer from stress and illness.
Another pressing concern is that if the animals are not imported within the current fiscal year, the allocated funds will lapse under financial rules. Nonetheless, Mudasar Hassan expressed optimism that the imports will proceed and the funds will be utilized effectively. Discussions are ongoing regarding an extension to the import timeline, and he hinted that good news for the public may be announced soon.