Entertainment

Lahore Safari Zoo to auction a dozen lions

Published

3 years ago

Farwa

LAHORE: To free up space for pride that won’t stop growing, a zoo in Pakistan is auctioning off a dozen lions to private collectors next week.

Lahore Safari Zoo now has so many big cats that their lions and tigers have to take in turns accessing the paddocks, said Tanvir Ahmed Janjua, the zoo’s deputy director.

“Not only will we free up more space here, but our expenses for meat to feed them will also decrease,” he told AFP.

The zoo is currently home to 29 lions, and officials plan an auction on August 11 to sell 12 of them, aged between two and five years old.

There are also six resident tigers and two jaguars.

Conservationists are opposed to the sale, with the environmental group WWF saying the creatures should be moved to other established zoos, or breeding females sterilised or given contraceptives.

In this picture taken on August 3, 2022, visitors look at lions at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

“Animal exchanges and donations between zoos are a widely accepted practice,” the organisation’s Uzma Khan told AFP.

“Once an institution such as a zoo places a price tag on a wildlife species it is promoting trade — which is counterproductive to conservation,” she added.

Keeping lions, tigers and other exotic wildlife as pets is not uncommon in Pakistan and is seen as a status symbol.

Wealthy owners post images and video clips of their big cats on social media and rent them out as props for movies and photoshoots.

In this picture taken on August 3, 2022, lions are seen at their enclosure at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

Zoo officials have set a reserve of 150,000 Pakistan rupees ($700) per cat, but hope each will fetch around two million rupees.

Not just anyone can take part in the auction, however.

Janjua said buyers will have to be registered with provincial authorities and show they have the means to provide proper care and shelter for the creatures.

Zoo veterinary officer Muhammad Rizwan Khan told AFP an initial attempt last year to auction lions fell through as potential buyers lacked the necessary documentation or licences.

Nouman Hassan, who fell foul of authorities in the past when he was filmed walking his pet tiger on a leash in Lahore, plans to take part.

In this picture taken on August 5, 2022, a lion rests in a jungle at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

“I will try to buy two to three lions for sure,” he told AFP, adding the auction was a good way to diversify the gene pool for private collectors who already owned a big cat.

With little legislation to safeguard animal welfare, zoos across Pakistan are notorious for their poor facilities, but the Lahore Safari Zoo is considered one of the best, set over 200 acres.

In April 2020 a court ordered the only zoo in the country’s capital to shut down after poor facilities and mistreatment of the animals there were revealed.

The facility had drawn international condemnation for its treatment of an Asian elephant named Kaavan, who was later airlifted to retirement in Cambodia in a jumbo project spearheaded by US popstar and actress Cher.

Veterinarian Khan said the animals at Lahore Safari Zoo were being given the best possible care — something reflected in their fecundity.

“They are experiencing a good life in captivity with us,” he said.

Entertainment

‘Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan’ is a new song teased by ISPR for Solidarity Day

Published

1 day ago

Farwa

A new anthem, “Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan,” was issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday (tomorrow) in honor of Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Every year on February 5, Kashmir Solidarity Day is commemorated to show solidarity with the people of Indian-Occupied Kashmir.

Renowned musician Ahmed Jahanzeb sings the song, which sends a powerful message of solidarity and dedication to the liberation fighters of Held Kashmir.

Imran Raza wrote the words, while Irfan Saleem and Kamran Khan composed the music.

The song was composed especially to commemorate the momentous day and to reaffirm support for the courageous and tenacious people of Kashmir, who are fighting for their right to self-determination, as guaranteed by the documents of united nations

Entertainment

Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen’s tight relationship has sparked rumours!

Published

2 weeks ago

Farwa

Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen, co-stars of the famous drama series ‘Meem Se Mohabbat,’ have piqued the public’s interest with their blossoming off-screen chemistry.

The drama has received accolades for its upbeat atmosphere, interesting storyline, and outstanding supporting cast.

Ahad’s mother made a special gesture.

Ahad’s mother, Samra Raza Mir, recently made a sincere gesture for Dananeer, which fuelled the rumours. She made Dananeer’s favourite ‘Dumba Karahi’ using her mother’s secret recipe.

Dananeer

Dananeer expressed her delight on social media, posting a picture of the dish and thanking the person for their considerate gesture.

Ahad’s family has been actively involved in his career and projects, with his father, Asif Raza Mir, also playing a role in ‘Meem Se Mohabbat.’ The family’s close bond with Dananeer also clear, as they previously celebrated her graduation together.

Fan Reactions

Since his divorce, Ahad Raza Mir has lived a low-key personal life. Fans, on the other hand, have been eager to speculate about a possible romance between the two co-stars, citing their developing friendship and family participation as evidence of a budding relationship.

Here’s what the fans said:

“Is Had’s mother cooking for Dananeer?” This is becoming intriguing!”

“They look so good together in the drama; maybe there’s something more?”
“Ahad deserves happiness after everything, and Dananeer seems like a sweet person.”

While the speculations are mainly based on fan observations, the bond between Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen continues to pique their followers’ interest.

Entertainment

Kubra Khan has officially announced her wedding date – Here are all the facts!

Published

2 weeks ago

Farwa

Kubra Khan, a distinguished Pakistani actress known for her performances in popular television dramas such as Sang e Mar Mar, Alif Allah Aur Insaan, and Sinf e Aahan, has verified the current wedding rumors about her.

In a recent succinct dialogue with Irfan-ul-Haq for Irfanistan, Khan disclosed her intention to marry in February.

The actress, acclaimed for her role in Noor Jahan, was inquired about the internet rumors regarding her marriage to actor Gohar Rasheed. Khan stated, “Yes, I am reportedly getting married in February.”

Kubra Khan’s statement offers clarification; nonetheless, she did not elaborate on the wedding. Her employment of the term “apparently” introduced uncertainty, inciting curiosity among both fans and the media.

Kubra Khan Affirms Her Nuptials

Speculation on the prospective union of Khan and Rasheed has been prevalent for a while, especially following the actor’s enigmatic social media updates.

Rasheed had earlier shared films documenting the preparations for a wedding ceremony, with hashtags such as “Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi,” which intensified curiosity. He subsequently teased his fans, indicating that he would soon reveal the identity of the individual getting married.

Kubra Khan Affirms Her Nuptials

Khan and Rasheed have consistently preserved a tight friendship, both articulating their reciprocal admiration for the other. Nevertheless, they have maintained the confidentiality of their personal lives, addressing the persistent rumors in the public sphere only sporadically.

Khan remarked on her tenure with Hum TV, emphasizing the significant importance of Sang-e-Mar Mar, since it was her debut with the network.

The actress has long been a prominent figure in Pakistani culture, recognized for her diverse performances and commanding screen presence.