What about the crocodile, asks a concerned IHC CJ

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) hearing a case on the implementation of the transfer of animals from Marghazar Zoo to a safer place said Pakistan government has accepted this court’s decision keeping in view the tradition of upholding the animal rights.

Federal Environment Ministry officials told the court that shipping arrangements are being made for the transfer of Kavaan, the elephant, to Cambodia.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that he himself read in newspapers that the Prime Minister has been taking interest in this matter which is very commendable.

Then on a sudden thought, the Chief Justice asked “But, what about the helpless crocodile?” To which the Secretary Environment replied crocodile has been shifted to safer place from the zoo Saturday. The secretary said crocodile prayers would be with us for sure.

Federal Secretary Environment told the IHC that zoos were made by the kings where they used to show their power by capturing animals to which the Chief Justice replied, “The strength of man is not to imprison the weak, but to protect the weak.”

The case hearing has been adjourned until next week.

World Wife Fund (WWF) Pakistan in a tweet said, “WWF and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board are focused on the relocation of Kaavan, the elephant. After examining the matter, the committee recommends retiring Kaavan to Cambodia after required due diligence and agreements.”

WWF-Pakistan and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board #IWMB are focused on the relocation of #Kaavan, the elephant.
After examining the matter, the committee recommends retiring Kaavan to #Cambodia after required due diligence and agreements.

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— WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) July 18, 2020

It is pertinent to mention that on May 21, Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a landmark judgment ordered shifting of the lonely elephant Kaavan of the Marghazar Zoo Islamabad, who lives in a deplorable condition, to a secure shelter.

The court had also ordered to move all animals of Marghazar Zoo to safe shelters within 60 days.

The plight of Kaavan, a depressed elephant who had spent nearly three decades being confined to a small cage in Islamabad Zoo, has been often highlighted by national, international media and animals rights associations.

Kaavan was brought to Islamabad Zoo from Sri Lanka in the mid-1980s, and spent the remaining time in more loneliness, even more, when his long-time companion female elephant Saheli died in 2012. Zookeepers told the media that the elephant became depressed after the death of his companion.