The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) has expressed concern over the serious condition of elephant Noor Jehan, calling for urgent steps to be taken to improve the welfare of captive animals in the country. The elephant’s plight has brought official neglect at zoos to the forefront once again. The organization has urged the government of Sindh and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to evaluate the dismal conditions at zoos and make well-informed decisions about their future viability.

In a statement, WWF-P said, “Despite the best efforts of the team of experts attending to the ailing elephant, Noor Jehan’s condition is still critical. We are extremely concerned about Noor Jehan’s situation. We do not support the practice of keeping elephants in zoos and circuses. Elephants are usually acquired from the wild, caught as young animals, illegally traded through a network of dealers, and suffer tremendously in captivity.”

The organization also highlighted the history of elephants in captivity in Pakistan, including Kavaan, Suzi, Saheli, and Anarkali, all of whom suffered health problems due to poor management, inappropriate diet, and insufficient exercise.

According to WWF-P, elephants have complex ecological and social needs, and zoos cannot meet these requirements. Therefore, zoos across the globe, including the London Zoo, have closed down their elephant facilities. The organization called for an independent zoo management committee with appropriate civil society representation, an independent bank account for the zoo, and capacity-building plans.

The country needs to implement rules and regulations to stop acquiring elephants and bring in laws and standards for zoos while adhering to them, the organization added. WWF-P also stressed that animals held in zoos should be cared for according to the highest husbandry standards, with proper and adequate enclosures that mimic the natural habitat of the species.