Preparations underway to relocate Karachi Zoo’s bear ‘Rano’ to Islamabad

KARACHI: Preparations are in motion to transfer Rano, the female Himalayan brown bear who has spent the past two decades at Karachi Zoo, to a wildlife rescue centre in Islamabad.

A three-member team from the Islamabad Wildlife Rescue Centre has arrived in Karachi and begun the rehabilitation process for Rano ahead of her relocation, sources said.

The move comes after officials from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) reportedly withdrew from the transfer process, leaving the Islamabad team in charge of her recovery and transport arrangements.

Authorities expect Rano to be shifted to Islamabad within the next four days, with all necessary facilities reportedly prepared at the rescue centre to accommodate her needs.

The relocation follows a Sindh High Court order mandating the bear’s transfer, citing inadequate care and poor living conditions at Karachi Zoo.

Rano is a rare Himalayan brown bear, and has long been a resident of the zoo, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare in urban zoological facilities.