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.
“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.
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.
“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.
The highly anticipated criminal thriller Kattar Karachi, which also features rapper Talha Anjum in her acting debut, marks Imran Ashraf’s triumphant comeback to the big screen.
Fans have already taken notice of the newly released teaser, which promises a gripping cinematic experience.
Set against the gritty and chaotic backdrop of Karachi, Kattar Karachi exudes a noir-inspired style, with Ashraf portraying a powerful Mafia boss determined to dominate the streets of the city.
Anjum, on the other hand, takes on the role of a fierce protagonist fighting to defend his ground. Their on-screen rivalry is set to ignite sparks, making for a high-stakes drama that promises plenty of tension.
Kinza Hashmi will accompany them on this exciting journey; she has bravely changed for the part, suggesting a character that is different from anything she has played in the past. The film also features Syed Jameel, who completes the impressive ensemble cast.
With its compelling story and outstanding performances, Kattar Karachi is creating a lot of hype and is highly anticipated by both fans and reviewers. An intriguing new viewpoint on the Pakistani film business is anticipated from this film.
Actor and producer Sheheryar Munawar of Pakistan has confirmed the long-awaited news of his impending marriage. He said in a recent interview that he will marry before the end of this month.
After months of circulating on social media, the revelation was formally verified during a YouTube presentation.
Munawar responded, “I am getting married at the end of December, and my bride is not from the showbiz industry,” when questioned about his preparations for marriage. With pleasure and thankfulness, he begged, “Please do pray for us.”
There have been many rumors about his relationship with Maheen Siddiqui, a rising actress in Pakistan’s entertainment sector, even though the name of his wife has not been formally revealed.
Siddiqui famously shared a passionate message for Munawar on his 36th birthday in August, calling him her “jaan,” which further stoked rumors about their connection. The two had been connected in media reports for a while.
Fans have been quick to offer their well wishes for the couple, even though Sheheryar Munawar has mostly kept his personal life private. The actor has already expressed his admiration for Siddiqui in public.
The actor has received considerable praise for his performances and is well-known for his celebrated parts in dramas like Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Pehli Si Mohabbat, and Aye Ishq e Junoon.
A-lister Mahira Khan once again captivates her followers with her exquisite beauty in a crimson saree, receiving abundant praise and admiration.
Mahira Khan epitomizes elegance and skill. She consistently captivates audiences both in her performances and in her personal life. Renowned for her exceptional performances in popular dramas and films, including her Bollywood debut in Raees with Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira has established a distinct presence in the entertainment business.
In addition to her professional endeavors, the actress is renowned for her excellent sense of style.
The actress captivated her followers with a striking appearance, posting a video of herself on Instagram in an exquisite red saree.
Accompanied by gajra-adorned hair and traditional green bangles, her modest yet sophisticated appearance once again captivated onlookers.
Nonetheless, it was not solely her appearance that garnered attention. Her clever caption, embodying her unabashed confidence, also attracted attention.
She stated, “I wore this sari for two consecutive nights.” My friends refer to it as ‘guts.’ I refer to it as ‘who cares.’
Fans inundated the post with admiration, with one remarking, “Is she a vampire?” “She has not aged since 2011,” while another remarked, “You appear beautiful in all circumstances.”
Another admirer screamed, “How can someone be so beautiful?” What accounts for such beauty?