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WWF-Pakistan concerned over transfer of snow leopards to Moscow
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- Tanveer Abbas
- May 17, 2025

GILGIT: The government has decided to transfer two rescued snow leopards currently housed at the Naltar Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) to the Moscow Zoo in Russia, according to WWF-Pakistan.
However, a G-B Forest, Parks, Wildlife, and Environment Department wildlife official clarified that the cubs were being sent under an international breeding program as a gesture of goodwill. He said the decision was made by the G-B Wildlife Management Board and the Ministry of Climate Change.
Park ranger captures stunning footage of four snow leopards
In a statement, WWF-Pakistan expressed its deepest concern and strongest opposition to the proposed transfer. “Such a move not only contradicts national and international conservation commitments but also risks setting a highly detrimental precedent for the future transfer of threatened and iconic wildlife species from Pakistan,” the statement said.
It said the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (2017), receives the highest level of legal protection under Pakistan’s national and provincial wildlife legislation, including that of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, it said, the species is included in Appendix I of CITES, which strictly prohibits international trade except under exceptional, non-commercial circumstances.
Injured leopard passes away after being saved
“There is no compelling conservation rationale for transferring these snow leopards to Russia, a country that already hosts a significantly larger wild population of the species. Instead of exporting our unique natural heritage, Pakistan should demonstrate global leadership by reinforcing its commitment to in-situ conservation and the protection of its remaining wild snow leopard populations,” WWF-Pakistan added.
The statement said approval of this export would undermine decades of conservation progress and significantly damage Pakistan’s standing in the global conservation community. “At this time, instead of ceding to external pressures that threaten our long-term conservation vision, we must exhibit strong environmental leadership, reaffirm our commitment to protecting national biodiversity, and strengthen the institutions responsible for its protection,” the statement read.
Pakistan steps up global efforts to designate snow leopard symbol of climate adaptation
WWF-Pakistan strongly recommended the immediate cancellation of the proposed export of the snow leopards and a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to the conservation of its iconic wildlife species. It also recommended strengthening the Naltar Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre to function as a dedicated facility for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and veterinary care, equipped to manage future confiscations and care cases.
The statement also recommended enhancing the capacity of the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department through targeted technical training, adequate financial support, and provision of essential operational equipment; and upholding Pakistan’s obligations under international agreements such as CITES and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) by prioritizing the protection of vulnerable and critically endangered species within national borders.
Other Snow Leopards Rescued in G-B
The Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) Pakistan established the Naltar Rehabilitation & Quarantine Center after rescuing an orphaned snow leopard cub near Khunjerab National Park (KNP) in October 2016. The injured cub, rescued on December 30, 2012, was initially kept in a small enclosure near KNP before being moved to Naltar in October 2016.
Snow leopard habitat at risk from infrastructure projects: WWF
A second snow leopard, named Leo, was rescued from alleged illegal trade in Gilgit in September 2023. Since then, the G-B Wildlife Department has been caring for the cub at an annual cost of approximately Rs. 1.5 million.
