Pakistan’s Oldest Captive Bear Granted New Sanctuary After Legal Victory

After a landmark case in the Lahore High Court, Pakistan's oldest captive bear, known as Hope, was granted a new sanctuary following a legal victory led by Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan (EARC-Pakistan). The 32-year-old Himalayan brown bear, rescued six years ago, had suffered trauma with removed claws and teeth and lost eyesight while being shuttled between inadequate facilities in Lahore Zoo, Jallo Park, and Bansra Gali Zoo. Public outcry and distressing videos of the bear's suffering led to the court ordering his transfer to the Balkasar Bear Sanctuary, which was later revised to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board’s Rescue Centre due to concerns about a heatwave and the bear's fragile health.

The court also approved the establishment of a permanent wildlife committee in Punjab to develop humane policies for captive and wild animals, aiming for long-term reforms. Altamush Saeed from EARC-Pakistan stated that Hope symbolizes the positive outcomes when law, science, compassion, and courage come together in advocating for animal welfare and rights.