In a significant development for the welfare of wildlife, the Superior Court of Lahore (LHC) has issued an order of stay stopping the proposed transfer of monkeys of the Brazilian jungle in danger of Karachi’s extinction to the Lahore zoo.
The Court’s decision provides a temporary safeguard for rare species, currently under the care of the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF) Rescue Animal, an animal welfare organization based in Karachi.
According to a report dated May 6, 2025 by the Ministry of Climate Change, the relocation plan meant changing the monkeys to the Lahore zoo. However, this movement caused a generalized concern among environmentalists, animal rights organizations and civil society activists, who warned about possible threats to the welfare of monkeys.
The petition was presented by Altamush Saeed and Ahmad Shoaib Atta, affiliated with environmental advice and animal rights (EARC). In their submission, the petitioners argued that the current conditions in the Lahore zoo are totally inadequate to accommodate the rare and sensitive primates.
They cited high mortality rates between animals, extreme temperatures, lower quality veterinary facilities and inadequate infrastructure, make us that they have also been validated by national and international organizations, including WWF Pakistan.
The petitioners also argued that the monkeys would be safer in their native habitat, the Brazilian jungle, and that no installation in Pakistan can replicate the ecological conditions necessary for their survival.
International Wildlife Organizations have urged to intervene and facilitate the repatriation of monkeys to their natural habitat.
The court has issued notices to the relevant government departments and requested a formal response. The matter has been postponed for an additional audience in September 2025.
