A committee formed to inspect the health and living conditions of female bear Rano at the Karachi Zoo has submitted its report to the Sindh High Court, revealing serious negligence and inadequate care by the zoo authorities.

According to the report, the inspection was carried out on October 26 by officials of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and the petitioner.

The team found that Rano’s enclosure lacked proper sanitation, clean drinking water, and sufficient food.

Contrary to repeated claims by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) that Rano was in good health, the committee noted visible injuries on the animal, including three wound marks on her head, and confirmed that the bear was unable to eat properly.

The report stated that Rano required immediate medical attention.

The committee observed that “financial interests have been prioritised over the animal’s health,” stressing that the purpose of the report was not to criticise any party but to present the facts before the court.

It added that the current conditions reflected the negligence of KMC and zoo administration, and questioned how other animals might be faring under similar circumstances.

The petition regarding Rano’s welfare was filed by animal rights advocate Jude Allen, who had earlier approached the Sindh High Court over the bear’s deteriorating condition.

On October 14, the Sindh High Court had directed the Karachi Zoo administration to hand over Rano to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board within two days, citing her prolonged confinement and poor living conditions.

The court had also expressed serious concern over the KMC’s failure to provide proper care, terming the animal’s continued captivity “inhumane.”