Pakistan’s first wildlife hospital has been completed in Punjab as part of the provincial government’s efforts to improve the treatment, rescue and protection of wild animals and birds.
The facility has been developed under the wildlife conservation programme of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb’s also visited the Forest and Wildlife Command and Control Centre.
Modern Facilities at the Hospital
Reportedly, the wildlife hospital has 12 operation theatres and two examination rooms. These facilities will be used to provide medical care to injured, sick and rescued wildlife.
Marriyum Aurangzeb described the completion of the hospital as an important milestone for wildlife treatment and conservation in Punjab.
The Punjab Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department also lists a wildlife hospital at Lahore Safari Zoo among its major wildlife initiatives.
The province has recently expanded its wildlife rescue system as well. According to the Punjab government, emergency veterinary care, quarantine, rehabilitation and recovery facilities have been established for rescued animals at Lahore Safari Zoo.
Moreover, officials also briefed the senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb about new technology being used for forest protection. Artificial intelligence, long range thermal cameras, live surveillance and satellite monitoring are being used to identify forest fires and other threats.
Punjab has planted more than 50 million saplings within one year. Another 10 million plants are being added during the monsoon plantation campaign.
The province now has 280 nurseries. Digital systems are being used to monitor these nurseries and maintain records of individual plants.
New ecotourism projects planned
The government is also preparing to transform Jallo Park into a modern ecotourism destination through a public-private partnership.
Construction of the Giraffe Café and Tree House Café at Lahore Safari has also been completed to promote recreation and ecotourism. Progress on projects at Changa Manga and Safari was also reviewed.
Meanwhile, 215 women have joined Punjab’s Forest Rangers Force, which has more than 5,000 personnel. Authorities have also imposed fines of over Rs10 million during operations against illegal timber cutting.