VEHARI (HRNW): The Vehari Zoo has once again come under intense scrutiny following the tragic death of a rare pregnant Chital (spotted) deer and her unborn offspring, allegedly due to a lack of timely medical assistance and administrative apathy.
According to local sources, the deer suffered throughout the night without any veterinary intervention. Witnesses and insiders claim that key officials, including Veterinary Doctor Wasif—who has reportedly been absent for a month—and Assistant Chief Wildlife Officer Mahar Kaleem Sarfaraz, were not present on duty. Reports suggest that the zoo management is attempting to suppress the incident, as no post-mortem examination has been conducted to date.
Administrative Silence and Public Outcry
While citizen groups have condemned the incident as a prime example of “criminal negligence” and “misuse of authority,” the zoo administration has officially denied the occurrence. However, observers noted that several administrative offices remained locked, and officials refused to provide a formal stance on the matter.
Civil society members and local residents have called upon the Punjab Wildlife Department and higher authorities to:
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Suspend Irresponsible Officials: Immediate action is demanded against the absent veterinary staff and management.
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Conduct an Independent Probe: An inquiry is sought to uncover the recurring mismanagement at the facility.
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Ensure Accountability: Legal proceedings should be initiated to prevent further loss of rare wildlife at the zoo.
The silence of the administration has further fueled suspicions regarding the facility’s operational standards, with citizens demanding an immediate high-level notice of the tragedy.
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