Young chimp Raju dies in Karachi zoo

KARACHI: In a somber incident, a young chimpanzee named Raju was discovered lifeless in his enclosure at the Karachi Zoological Gardens on Monday morning.

While conflicting reports have emerged regarding the circumstances of Raju’s death, the tragedy has ignited discussions about the well-being and care of animals in captivity.

Sources indicated that Raju, a male chimpanzee estimated to be around 15 to 16 years old, had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. He had been living alongside two companions for several months.

However, according to Dawn.com, the zoo administration contradicted these claims, asserting that Raju suffered a sudden heart attack, leading to his untimely death. Dr Amir Ismail, the zoo’s veterinarian, maintained that Raju was in active and healthy condition just hours before his passing. Dr Ismail specified that post-mortem findings identified a heart attack as the cause of death. He said there were no indications of related ailments or distress in the preceding weeks.

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The debate over Raju’s death has raised concerns about the overall veterinary care and conditions at the Karachi Zoo and Safari Park. Experts said inadequate veterinary care and the confinement of animals in unnatural settings contribute to mortality rates and disease prevalence. The lack of proper staff and resources at these facilities has also been highlighted as a pressing issue.

Chimpanzees, classified as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List, are particularly sensitive to their surroundings and social structures. The incident has drawn attention to the need for improving the quality of life for animals in captivity and the importance of adhering to international regulations regarding the conservation and treatment of endangered species.

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