The Sindh government has directed Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to immediately stop breeding exotic species at Karachi Zoo, focusing especially on big cats, to improve animal welfare and management standards.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, attended by officials from KMC, zoo management, and relevant provincial departments.
The meeting reviewed current conditions at the zoo, including animal housing, management practices, and future planning related to the care of exotic wildlife kept in captivity.
The Karachi Zoo exotic animal breeding ban aims to address growing concerns about animal welfare, limited space, safety risks, and long-term sustainability of keeping large predators.
Chief Secretary Shah stressed that uncontrolled breeding, particularly of big cats, creates serious challenges that require urgent attention and responsible decision-making by concerned authorities.
He said the provincial government remains committed to ethical wildlife management and compliance with international best practices governing captive animals in zoological facilities.
Officials were instructed to immediately implement measures to halt breeding activities involving exotic animals without waiting for further administrative approvals.
In addition, KMC and zoo authorities were directed to prepare a clear, time-bound action plan in consultation with qualified wildlife and conservation experts.
The chief secretary emphasised that expert guidance is essential to ensure all actions are humane, scientifically sound, and aligned with accepted conservation principles.
He further instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all exotic animals currently housed at the Karachi Zoo.
This assessment will include evaluating animal health, habitat suitability, space availability, and long-term care requirements to ensure proper living conditions.
Authorities were told to submit detailed findings and recommendations to the provincial government for further policy decisions.
During the meeting, Shah highlighted the importance of discouraging unnecessary captivity of exotic species and avoiding breeding practices that strain zoo resources.
He noted that responsible wildlife management should prioritise animal well-being while also ensuring public safety within zoo premises.
The Karachi Zoo exotic animal breeding ban also reflects increasing global awareness about ethical treatment of captive wildlife.
Government officials said future decisions regarding exotic animals will be guided by conservation needs rather than public display interests.
The directive comes amid growing scrutiny of zoo management following the birth of three lion cubs at Karachi Zoo last month.
