Rano bear transferred from Karachi to Islamabad

Following reports of mistreatment and neglect, Rano, a female bear kept at the Karachi Zoo, has been transferred to Islamabad aboard a C-130 aircraft on the orders of the Sindh High Court (SHC).

According to a spokesperson for the Islamabad Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, the bear arrived safely and was received by the Islamabad Wildlife authorities.

The spokesperson confirmed that the transfer process has been completed successfully.

A comprehensive medical and behavioral assessment of Rano will now be conducted to evaluate her physical and mental condition.

Officials said that once fully rehabilitated, she will be released into her natural habitat in the forests of Gilgit-Baltistan as part of the second phase of the rescue plan.

The Wildlife Department hailed the move as a significant step toward ensuring animal welfare and returning wild species to their natural environments.

Earlier, during court proceedings, petitioner Jude Allen submitted an observational report highlighting multiple instances of negligence in Rano’s care at the Karachi Zoo.

The report described unsanitary living conditions, lack of access to clean drinking water, and inadequate feeding arrangements.

It also noted three visible wound marks on Rano’s head, indicating that she required immediate medical attention. Despite these findings, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) officials had twice informed the court that Rano was in “perfectly fine” condition — claims that the inspection later contradicted.

The SHC took notice of the discrepancies and ordered Rano’s immediate transfer to Islamabad for treatment and rehabilitation.