Rano Begins New Journey After Karachi Zoo Relocation
The much-discussed female bear Rano has finally departed from Karachi Zoo after the Sindh High Court ordered her relocation to a safer and more suitable environment.
Veterinary experts carefully examined health, diet, and behavior of Rano before the transfer to confirm that she was fit and stable enough for travel.
She was securely placed inside a specially designed transport cage and airlifted from the Faisal Airbase in Karachi to Islamabad aboard a C-130 aircraft under supervision.
Officials from the Sindh Wildlife Department confirmed that this transfer represents the first stage of the planned relocation of Rano to a natural and semi-wild setting.
In the next phase, Rano will be moved to the scenic forests of Gilgit-Baltistan, where a semi-wild sanctuary offers open space and proper care.
Read More: Bibi Death Sparks Debate on Karachi Zoo Conditions
Rano, estimated to be around seven years old, had long drawn public concern due to the Karachi Zoo’s poor facilities and inadequate animal welfare standards.
Animal rights groups consistently highlighted her cramped living space and urged authorities to relocate her to a sanctuary offering freedom and improved care.
SHC intervened earlier this year, instructing the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and wildlife officials to guarantee Rano’s safe and timely relocation.
Her transfer reflects a growing pattern of judicial and public pressure in Pakistan aimed at improving welfare standards for zoo animals nationwide.
One notable example was Kaavan, the lonely elephant from Islamabad Zoo, who was moved to Cambodia in 2020 after sustained international advocacy efforts.
