Endangered Bear Rescued from Karachi Zoo, Headed to Gilgit-Baltistan Sanctuary

In a significant development, authorities in Pakistan have initiated preparations to transfer Rano, a Himalayan brown bear currently residing in Karachi Zoo, to a sanctuary in Gilgit-Baltistan. This move comes in response to a directive from the Sindh High Court, which ordered the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to relocate the bear within two days, marking an end to the years-long plight of the endangered animal.

On October 29, 2025, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for Rano's relocation. The meeting was attended by representatives from various government agencies, including the Forest and Wildlife Department, the Karachi Municipal Corporation, and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. The participants briefed the chief secretary on the progress made so far, including the preparation of a specially designed iron cage that meets all safety standards for Rano's transfer.

According to the statement, wildlife experts and trainers have been engaged in daily training sessions to help Rano adjust comfortably to the new cage. The bear has shown a positive response to the training and has developed a friendly bond with a wildlife ranger, even eagerly awaiting her daily visits. Rano has also begun eating honey directly from the ranger's hand, indicating strong trust and progress in her behavioral adaptation.

The chief secretary has emphasized that Rano must not be forcibly captured or sedated during the transfer process. Instead, he has directed that the bear should voluntarily enter the transport cage through gradual and positive reinforcement training methods. The entire transfer process will be recorded on video for documentation and transparency.

Once Rano is relocated to Islamabad, she will then be transported to her final sanctuary destination in Gilgit-Baltistan, where she will be able to thrive in a more natural and suitable environment.