| |
|
|
| |
About Karachi Zoo |
|
| |
 History
of Karachi Zoo
Our information about the
history of Karachi Zoo is based on the administrative report of 1949 of
the corporation of the city of Karachi. Accordingly it was commonly
known as Mahatma Gandhi Garden. It was transferred by the government to
the muncipalty in the year 1861 on the condition that it shall never be
sublet or transferred. The Zoo has an interesting history as it forms a
part of the ground where the old East India Companies factory was
situated. 1833 as it was marked on a map prepared by commander Charles,
who described it as surrounded by trees, giving a look of garden. In
1878, the Municipality after considering various suggestions for
improving the Zoo, places it under a trust to be maintained out of
public subscription. The present Zoo started in a better way by donation
in 1881. in 1953 KMC decided to create the post of full time curator, a
qualified veterinary doctor, to keep the animals in good health.
Presently, total sanctioned strength of Karachi Zoo is 242 staff
including 6 technical staff and the rest skilled or semi skilled
workers/staff.
Natural History Museum
Karachi Zoo has a good
Natural Museum Indigenous as well as exotic stuffed animals belonging to
different regions of the world have been exhibited in a very good
manner. Visitors and science students can study morphological characters
of animals from close quarter. Post graduate students can get more
information on mammals, birds and reptiles through the technical
officials. In 1991-1992 CDGK (former KMC) allocated funds for remodeling
of Natural History Museum, which was carried out. Now, the Natural
History Museum is being visited by students of secondary schools on
regular basis for awareness in biodiversity. Apart from stuffed animals,
skins, antlers, horns & feathers etc are also placed on display in the
museum. In 1992 the Japanese Princess inaugurated the remodeled Natural
History Museum. The rate of entry fee in the museum is Rs. 2/- and Rs.
1/- Per adult and children, respectively.
Reptile House
The Reptile house in
Karachi Zoo was extended and renovated in the year 1992. it is one of
the best Reptile Houses in Pakistan. There are 13 species of snakes and
lizards. Newly born hatching of tortoises & crocodiles are also
exhibited in the Reptile House.
Mughal Garden
A small garden in Mughal
style was established in the year 1970. lush green lawns with seasonal
scanted plants, occupy major part of the garden. It is one of the finest
green floral spots in the city. Different verities of Roses in many
shades enhance the beauty of this garden. Centrally located fountains
with Mughal structure Baradari further increases its beauty & elegance.
Hospital Facilities
In 1998 Karachi Zoo
established a veterinary hospital with modern diagnostic facilities.
There is an operation theatre, equipped with X-ray quarantine building,
laboratory and incubation room where eggs left away by captive birds are
taken care of.
Educational Facilities
In order to create Public
awareness regarding animals, their importance in society, morphological
character of the animals, their behavior, breeding, habit, habitat,
conservation of animals, feeding process in nocturnal and diurnal
animals, animal welfare, care and animal ethics, we arrange educational
programmes from time to time with the collaboration of different
educational institutions.
Source: former official site of Karachi Zoo (2009)
|
|
|
|
|
