Bibi Death Sparks Debate on Karachi Zoo Conditions
Oldest chimpanzee, Bibi, in Karachi Zoo has passed away at the age of forty, sparking renewed concerns about animal welfare standards at the facility.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation officials, the post-mortem report confirmed that Bibi’s death occurred due to natural causes and was not linked to any negligence.
Bibi had been living in captivity since 2000 after being rescued in a joint operation conducted by the police and wildlife departments from the PECHS area.
Following her death, animal rights activists criticised the management of the zoo, highlighting its poor conditions and inadequate care for exotic animal species.
Earlier this year, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah urged the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to stop acquiring foreign animals due to unsuitable environmental conditions.
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He said Karachi Zoo suffers from limited space, poor diet management, and lack of proper environment, which often result in animal stress and early deaths.
During a high-level meeting, the chief secretary directed authorities to enhance food and healthcare facilities at the zoo following global animal welfare standards.
He assured that the Sindh government will allocate special funds to improve the zoo’s infrastructure and ensure better care for all animals.
Officials were also instructed to act against the illegal wildlife trade and shut down unauthorised animal markets currently operating in Karachi’s Saddar area.