Rehabilitated brown bear Rano to be released into natural habitat in G-B

ISLAMABAD: Rano, a Himalayan brown bear relocated to Islamabad from Karachi, will be released into her natural habitat in Gilgit-Baltistan after completing nine months of rehabilitation at the Margalla Wildlife Rescue Centre.

The bear, which was transferred to Islamabad from Karachi on the directions of the Sindh High Court, will be shifted to Gilgit-Baltistan in the second phase of her rehabilitation.

Islamabad wildlife authorities have decided to approach the Sindh government regarding arrangements for her transfer to Gilgit-Baltistan.

A video of Rano has emerged following her recovery, showing the bear eating a normal diet after months of treatment and rehabilitation at the Margalla Wildlife Rescue Centre.

According to Islamabad wildlife officials, Rano arrived from Karachi in poor health and initially survived only on milk and bread. She is now eating a normal diet consisting of corn, herbs, grass and fruits.

The wound on her head has also healed completely, the officials said.

They credited the staff of the Margalla Wildlife Rescue Centre for Rano’s recovery, saying the team had worked for nine months to restore her health.

Rano had spent years in distress at the Karachi Zoo before being shifted to Islamabad on November 5 on the orders of the SHC.

She was initially kept in a Victorian-era pit at the Karachi Zoo and was later confined to a barren cage with a small space and hard flooring.

Animal rights activists had approached the SHC, seeking her relocation to a sanctuary in Islamabad.

Wildlife officials described Rano’s successful rehabilitation as a major achievement for the Margalla Wildlife Rescue Centre and an important step towards providing her with a more suitable environment.

Her planned transfer to Gilgit-Baltistan will mark the next stage of her rehabilitation, with authorities aiming to eventually release her into a natural habitat better suited to the species.