In a recent and somber development, a Bengal tigress residing at the Karachi Zoo has died following a prolonged illness. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) confirmed the death, stating that the tigress, who was 30 years old, succumbed to natural causes. This is noteworthy given that the average lifespan of Bengal Tigers in captivity is generally between 18 to 20 years, while their counterparts in the wild typically live between 14 to 16 years, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The death of the tigress is particularly poignant given the recent loss of another prominent zoo resident. Over a year ago, the Karachi Zoo also witnessed the death of Noor Jehan, a 17-year-old African elephant, who passed away due to a blood parasite disease. Noor Jehan’s death highlighted ongoing concerns about the welfare of zoo animals.
Animal rights advocate Mahera Omar has voiced significant concerns about the conditions faced by animals in captivity. She emphasized that animals in zoos often suffer from reduced lifespans and heightened vulnerability to diseases compared to their wild counterparts. Omar pointed out that confinement can lead to “zoochosis,” a form of psychosis manifested through unnatural behaviors such as pacing, biting cage bars, and excessive grooming.
Omar’s comments reflect a broader critique of the conditions in which captive animals are kept. She argues that these animals experience severe physical and psychological stress due to their inability to fulfill their natural behavioral and social needs. According to her, the confinement not only impacts their mental well-being but also shortens their lifespan.
“Big cats kept in captivity suffer from zoochosis,” Omar stated. She noted that this condition is not limited to felines but also affects other species like wolves and bears. The physical and mental toll of captivity is significant, and the behavioral changes observed in these animals are indicative of their distress.
Omar has advocated for a re-evaluation of how societies manage wildlife. She argues for the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries as an alternative to traditional zoos. These sanctuaries could provide a more suitable environment for animals, addressing their behavioral, psychological, and social needs in a way that is not possible within the confines of a zoo.
“The need of the hour is to phase out our zoos and consider other ways of educating children about wild animals,” Omar said. She believes that with the advancement of information technology, there are more humane and effective methods to teach about wildlife without the need for captivity.
In her view, the captivity of animals is inherently cruel and fails to provide educational or ethical value. She asserts that “an animal’s life ends the moment it is put in captivity,” reflecting her belief that the practice of keeping animals in zoos is outdated and inhumane.
The death of the Bengal tigress and previous incidents at the Karachi Zoo underscore the need for a critical review of how captive animals are treated. The ongoing debate about the ethics and effectiveness of zoos highlights the importance of finding alternative methods for animal care and education.
As the Karachi Zoo mourns the loss of another beloved animal, the call for change in the treatment of captive wildlife becomes more urgent. Advocates like Omar are pushing for a shift towards more compassionate and effective approaches to wildlife conservation, aiming to ensure that animals are afforded the respect and care they deserve.
