Animals find a haven

Children holding bananas, carrots and other fruits wait eagerly for the baby elephants to come out of their enclosure, as they linger around the fence excitedly to feed the animals. Overjoyed by seeing the elephants so closely, they wait impatiently for their turn to pat and feed them under the supervision of their caretaker, Rajo Nasman.

Looking very much concerned about the diet of the elephants, Nasman says that he would skip meals but would never let his elephants stay hungry. “I have been working here for more than seven years; trained by a senior who too works here. As I was appointed to this cage 3 years back and since then my love for these baby elephants grew more.  I am a witness of the care all these animals are given. They are bathed every day and are given meals at their times. They are fed fresh fruits that include; bananas, watermelons, apples and other seasonal fruits, and vegetables; including spinach, carrot, turnip, etc. Each cage has its own diet chart and the animals are given food according to it”, he further answers.

As one walks along the pathway, the greenery of the finely trimmed grass, the fresh and fragrant flowers and the waterfall welcome the visitors and refresh them. The 350 acres area comprises of 57 different species of animals including colorful birds and creepy crawling reptiles. It also comprises of a play area that has monkey bars, swings, slides and many more playground equipment for children. At every corner are pots filled with bird seeds and water, attracting several other birds to the park. At the left corner of the park is a neat and properly arranged cafeteria with a variety of edibles. Yes! This place is none other than the Safari Park located in Karachi, which is the biggest park in Asia.

“Although, the place is still not given the deserved status, but now because of the grants given by the Governor, this place will soon be given its required recognition. More animals will be brought here in the upcoming months that includes felines, brown bears, hippo and giraffes”, adds Mr. Shamsi, Director of Safari Park, with delight. He further says that presently the park has two humped camels, baby elephants, rabbits, red deer, ponies, zebras, tortoises, a pond full of ducks and swans, especially the black swans; add attraction to the pond. There are different species of peacocks, crocodiles, horses, chimpanzees, lamas, lots of bright and attractive fishes and multi-colored birds.

Moreover, he says that it is the only place in Karachi where you will find excessive cleanliness. Comparing other places with Safari Park, one can easily see the huge differences in the entire place starting off with the enclosures to the diet, health and hygiene of the animals.

Dr. Amir Ismail, a vet, who works in the first shift, says that the animals are checked and vaccinated regularly. “The people working here are very much responsible and concerned about the health of the animals. If any animal gets sick he is treated and given proper medications”, adds Dr. Ismail.

The trip to the safari area can only be done through buses that take 25-30 minutes for each trip. Murad Baloch, a bus driver, working here for seven years, says that people get really excited when they see animals running freely in open enclosure. “Sundays are the busiest days around the week; people come and spend the evenings looking at the animals with excitement, patting and feeding doubles their level of joy and pleasure. The pony riding fascinates the children a lot”, says Baloch.

Furthermore, Mr. Shamsi disappointingly adds that the trains and the chair lift that added joyousness and thrill to the place are recently closed down because they were facing loss but he seemed very optimistic and added that he will soon introduce these thrilled and adventurous activities again and will resume the lost excitement. He further informs that the authorities are planning to build an aviary in the near future to give the public an increasingly enjoyable experience.