Brown bear 'Rano' to be relocated from Karachi Zoo to Islamabad sanctuary

Wildlife authorities in Sindh have begun preparations to relocate Rano, a brown bear held at the Karachi Zoo, to a sanctuary near Islamabad, following a court directive seen by activists as a significant step forward for animal welfare amid growing concerns over the treatment of captive wildlife.

Earlier this week, the Sindh High Court ordered the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC)—which oversees the zoo—along with the provincial Wildlife Department, to transfer Rano to a bear sanctuary managed by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. The court mandated that the move be completed within two days, under the supervision of Sindh Wildlife Conservator Javed Ahmed Mahar.

Rano, a Himalayan brown bear native to the cool alpine regions of northern Pakistan, has spent more than 20 years in captivity, confined to a tropical environment vastly different from her natural habitat. She has lived alone for years in the sweltering conditions of Karachi.

“We’ve initiated the process in compliance with the court’s order,” Mahar said. “Once we receive the execution order and finalize the oversight committee, we’ll proceed with relocating Rano.”

He admitted that Karachi's climate is ill-suited for a mountain-dwelling bear like Rano. “The city’s heat and environment are simply not appropriate for her species,” he said.

A report by the Sindh Wildlife Department revealed that Rano was suffering from both psychological and physical distress, worsened by heat exposure, isolation, and a lack of mental stimulation. Officials also observed signs of zoochosis—a condition marked by repetitive, compulsive behaviors in animals kept in substandard conditions.

“She exhibits chronic stress behaviors such as pacing, excessive licking, and rocking,” the report noted. “When held outside their natural range, bears like Rano can experience physiological stress, weakened immunity, and severe behavioural disorders.”

Animal rights groups have welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a much-needed step toward more humane treatment of wildlife in captivity.