Pakistan’s Largest Zoo Could Face Closure Amid Death Of Teenage Elephant

Government officials in Pakistan are considering closing Karachi Zoo, the country's largest, following complaints about poor living conditions for animals and the recent death of a 17-year-old elephant named Noor Jehan. The African elephant had pre-existing health issues and lost the ability to stand after falling into a pond, ultimately leading to her death.

Calls for the zoo's closure have been made by government officials, including Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Global animal welfare organization Four Paws, which managed Noor Jehan's care, also supports the closure and hopes it will lead to better care for captive wild animals in Pakistan.

Despite calls for closure, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) claims there are currently no plans to shut down the zoo. Some members of the public suggest converting the site into a botanical garden without animals on display, while others want the remaining animals to be relocated to sanctuaries. Improvements to animal care at the zoo are reportedly underway.