Punjab Completes Pakistan’s First Wildlife Hospital at Safari Zoo, Strengthening Wildlife Conservation in Punjab
The Punjab government has completed a modern Wildlife Hospital at Safari Zoo in Lahore. According to the Punjab government, this is Pakistan’s first wildlife hospital. This wildlife hospital in Punjab offers advanced facilities to treat, rescue, and rehabilitate wild animals and birds. The project marks a major step forward for wildlife healthcare, wildlife conservation in Punjab and specialized veterinary care in the province.
The development marks an important step in wildlife conservation in Punjab. It also strengthens the province’s capacity to provide specialized veterinary care to injured and sick wildlife.
The State-of-the-Art Wildlife Hospital at Safari Zoo, Lahore is a major initiative to strengthen wildlife healthcare, conservation, and rehabilitation in Punjab. Moreover, the modern facility will provide advanced treatment for wild animals while supporting research, education, professional training, and collaboration with academic and research institutions. The project spans 24 months, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, and has a total estimated cost of Rs. 1,473.31 million.
World Wildlife Conservation Day and endangered Wildlife Species
Pakistan’s First Wildlife Hospital Safari Zoo Equipped with Modern Facilities
This Wildlife Hospital Safari Zoo has modern medical facilities. This Pakistan’s First Wildlife hospital includes 12 operation theatres and two examination rooms.
These facilities will support the treatment of wildlife requiring medical and surgical care. Furthermore, the hospital can strengthen rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured wild animals and birds.
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb received a briefing on the facility during her visit to the Forest and Wildlife Command and Control Centre.
She described the wildlife hospital as an important development for wildlife treatment and wildlife conservation in Punjab.
Technology to Support Wildlife Conservation
Punjab is also using modern technology to improve wildlife conservation and forest protection.
According to officials, authorities are using artificial intelligence, long-range thermal cameras, live surveillance systems and satellite monitoring.
These technologies help authorities monitor forests more effectively. They can also support the early detection of forest fires.
As a result, officials expect faster responses to threats affecting forests and wildlife.
50 Million Saplings Planted Across Punjab
The provincial government also shared progress on its plantation campaign.
Officials said Punjab planted more than 50 million saplings during the past year. Meanwhile, another 10 million saplings are being planted under the ongoing monsoon campaign.
In addition, 285 geo-tagged nurseries are currently operational across Punjab.
The government is using digital monitoring systems to maintain plantation records. This approach can improve transparency and help authorities track plantation activities.
Jallo Park to Become a Modern Ecotourism Destination
The government also reviewed plans for the development of Jallo Park.
Officials said the park will be transformed into a modern ecotourism destination under a public-private partnership model.
For this purpose, authorities are preparing a master plan and business plan.
The project aims to combine nature conservation with recreation. It could also provide visitors with improved facilities and promote sustainable tourism.
New Facilities Completed at Safari Zoo
Punjab is also developing new recreational facilities to promote ecotourism.
Officials confirmed that construction of the Giraffe Café and Tree House Café at Safari has been completed.
These facilities are part of wider efforts to make Safari more attractive for visitors. At the same time, they support the province’s broader ecotourism strategy.
More Women Join Forest Rangers Force
The briefing also highlighted progress within the Forest Rangers Force.
According to officials, 215 women have joined the Forest Rangers Force. The force now has more than 5,000 personnel.
Meanwhile, authorities have continued action against illegal tree cutting. Officials said enforcement operations resulted in fines exceeding Rs10 million.
Such measures are aimed at protecting Punjab’s forests and supporting long-term environmental conservation.
Conservation Projects in Changa Manga and Safari Reviewed
Marriyum Aurangzeb also reviewed progress on several wildlife conservation and ecotourism projects.
The review included projects in Changa Manga and Safari, along with other initiatives related to forests and wildlife protection.
The government is focusing on combining modern technology, stronger enforcement and improved public facilities.
Pakistan’s First Wildlife Hospital is a Major Step for Wildlife Conservation in Punjab
The completion of the wildlife hospital at Safari Zoo adds a dedicated healthcare facility to Punjab’s wildlife infrastructure.
With modern operation theatres and examination rooms, the hospital can improve the province’s ability to treat injured and sick wildlife.
At the same time, AI-based surveillance, satellite monitoring, plantation drives and ecotourism projects are expanding the scope of wildlife conservation in Punjab.
Overall, the initiative reflects a broader shift toward modern wildlife management, veterinary care, forest protection and sustainable ecotourism in the province.
