A female Himalayan brown bear, Rano, has been transferred from Karachi Zoological Gardens to the Islamabad Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, here, on Wednesday.
The move follows an order by the Sindh High Court aimed at improving the animal’s welfare.
Umar Bilal, spokesperson for the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), told that Rano would undergo a detailed assessment of her physical and mental health, along with behavioural training to help her adjust to her new environment.
Rano has been in captivity at Karachi Zoo since 2017. A committee formed by the Sindh High Court recently reviewed her living conditions and reported signs of stress, including pacing in her enclosure, which lacked features of her natural Himalayan habitat.
“The relocation is an important step for Rano’s well-being and reflects ongoing efforts to improve wildlife conservation in Pakistan,” Bilal added.
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Preparations for the transfer included a specially designed cage and training to familiarise Rano with travel and her new surroundings.
Conservationists say the move could set a benchmark for better animal welfare standards in the country.
