The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday ordered the Karachi Zoo administration to hand over the female bear Rano to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board within two days, citing inadequate living conditions and poor care arrangements.

During the hearing of a petition concerning the bear’s welfare, the court expressed strong displeasure over the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC)’s handling of the matter.

The Wildlife Secretary and the Senior Director of Karachi Zoo appeared before the bench.

The court questioned the zoo officials, saying, “How can Rano be kept in such a condition? Why don’t you perform your duties on your own? Why does every action await a court order? Why hasn’t the bear been moved to a better place?”

The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that Rano had been confined to the same enclosure for seven years and was now suffering from a severe infection in her head.

The court remarked that it was inhumane to keep the voiceless animal imprisoned for seven years, asking, “What is the poor creature’s fault?”

The Wildlife Secretary contended that the Karachi Zoo falls under the KMC’s administration, and the Wildlife Department has no jurisdiction over it.

The court, however, questioned why no medical treatment had been provided to Rano despite her deteriorating health.

Later, the court directed the authorities to hand over female bear Rano to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board within two days.