The Punjab Wildlife Department faces yet another obstacle in its animal import plans, as the expensive quarantine department has withheld approval for imports of giraffes, rhinos and hippos from South Africa.

The ambitious initiative to bring large exotic animals for the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park has now been delayed indefinitely following a similar suspension of Elephant Import Project.

However, Punjab Wildlife officials remain hopeful that the situation will soon be resolved, enabling the arrival of the animals as part of the ongoing redevelopment of Lahor’s zoological facilities.

Several birds and animals have already been acquired both domestic and internationally for the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park.

However, the import of larger species – including 12 giraffes (nine to safari and three for the zoo), three rhinos (one for the zoo and a pair of safari) and a male hippopotamus in the zoo – have been delayed.

According to Mudassar Hassan, director of the repamping project, while the Federal Ministry of Climate Change has issued a NO-Object Certificate (NOC) for the import of several species, including giraffes, rhinos, hippos, Nyala Antelopes and zebras-Ekskl. The Elephants-Dyre Quarantine Department has yet to give final approvals intended for concern for disease risk.

Employees from the expensive quarantine department told Express News that health certificates for the animals imported from South Africa are currently undergoing review to ensure that compliance with Pakistan’s import provisions.

“If the existing health certificates do not meet the required standards, we will seek further verification from the importers,” an official said. “This is a purely procedural case intended to ensure that no foreign illness enters the country.”

The department is especially careful with the presence of foot and oral diseases (FMD) viruses in several African countries, including South Africa. While this tribe is not currently present in Pakistan, officials fear that its introduction could pose a serious threat to the local livestock industry.

Sources confirm that a temporary ban on imports of giraffes, nasal hangers, hippos and other large animals from South Africa has been imposed as a precautionary measure due to FMD risk.

The quarantine department has advised Punjab Wildlife to explore alternative countries for animal purchases, preferably those who are free of FMD virus.

However, Mudassar Hassan pointed out that this proposal is difficult to implement. “These species are either not available in other countries or are not profits,” he said. “Furthermore, only South Africa has the shipping aircraft infrastructure needed to transport such large animals.”

He added that the Wildlife Department has proposed a quarantine plan under which the animals will undergo the original quarantine in South Africa, followed by another 15 to 30-day quarantine period upon arrival in Pakistan.

“Furthermore, the specific stem of FMD virus quoted is never reported in rhinos or hippos,” he said. “It is also important to note that these animals will be the house in zoos and safari parks, not near livestock.”

While the positions for Punjab Wildlife and Animal Quarantine Department are different, WWF Pakistan’s representative, Dr. Uzma Khan Another important problem – the source of the animals. “We should import animals from zoos, not directly from nature,” she said. “It is difficult to confirm whether imported animals are wild or caught farmed, especially in African countries.”

Dr. Khan emphasized the importance of following legal and ethical protocols. “It is preferred to find animals from zoos, safari parks or certified breeding holdings in FMD-free countries as these animals adapt better to captivity,” she said. “In contrast, wild animals often suffer stress and illness when they are limited.”

Another critical concern is the fiscal timeline. If the animals are not imported within the current financial year, the funds assigned to the project will lapse under the rules of public economy.

However, project director Mudassar Hassan remains optimistic that imports continue in time. “Discussions are underway to extend the import deadline,” he said. “I can’t say anything final yet, but we expect to deliver good news to the public very soon.”

Launched in 2023 under the caretaker government, the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park Revamping Project were awarded almost RS. 5 billion.

The success of animal imports is seen as a crucial milestone in the progress of the project.