Amer Ali Ahmed, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Rina Saeed Khan, Chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), and architect Naeem Pasha visited the old Islamabad Zoo and discussed various options for reviving it in accordance with the high court order.
Rina Saeed Khan, IWMB Chairperson, briefed participants at the IWMB site office on the future plans for the now-defunct Marghazar Zoo. The goal is to create an environment in which Islamabad residents can benefit from the site.
There are plans to have animatronic animal models, a visual gallery, and informative 3D shows to engage the public and educate them about wildlife and the importance of preserving their freedom.
CDA Chairman Amer Ali assured that the authority is willing to prepare a PC-I in this context based on IWMB guidelines and assist them in setting up and revitalizing the site.
A meeting to discuss the concept plan has been scheduled for Friday at CDA headquarters. Furthermore, a target date of six weeks has been set to begin construction work on the revival effort, with the emphasis on education and information, and no live animals will be kept captive.
According to the orders of the Islamabad High Court, the Islamabad Zoo was closed down in December 2020. The ailing health of Kaavan, a 35-year-old Sri Lanka elephant, highlighted the dreadful state of the zoo, where conditions were so bad that the court ordered all animals to be moved.
To read our blog on “Monal Restaurant will become a Wildlife Education Center,” click here.
