Punjab authorities have decided to close the Lahore Safari Zoo for 15 days from March 11 to perform significant maintenance and repairs, officials said.

The closure will allow annual upgrades of construction work and infrastructure to be completed prior to Eid holidays, said a spokesman for Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department.

During the shutdown, all animals will undergo extensive medical control to ensure their health and well -being, the spokesman added.

Lahore Safari Zoo is undergoing periodic renovations to improve the facilities of both animals and visitors. Zoo is expected to reopen before Eid with upgraded facilities.

In another development, there was also a 7-year-old Asian bear who was held in illegal captivity and used for bait (for battle with trained dogs) in Punjabs by Jauharabad (Khushab) saved earlier this week.

Nonstop Rescue Operation from Vienna to Lahore; From Lahore to Jauharabad and then from Jauharabad to Islamabad ended with safe landing of the poor being in Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Center (formerly Murghazar Zoo) in Islamabad.

According to details, Rapid Response Team from Global Animal Welfare Organization Four Paws launched during the lead of Dr. Amir Khalil (a well-known name now in Pakistan in Animal Rescue) A quick rescue and relocation mission at the request of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and Punjab Wildlife Department and moved the poor creature to Islamabad’s Animal Rescue Center Center Center.

The male bear, named ‘Rocky’ by the team, was previously confiscated by the authorities of illegal private custody after he was subjected to severe abuse as Agnbjørn.

He was abused in 35 matches so far that it was informed and his condition was rather poorly injured with several bleeding wounds in his face and back.