Maryam Aurangzeb Confirms: No Hike in Lahore Zoo Entry Fee

The Punjab Senior Minister, Maryam Aurangzeb, responded to queries regarding the ticket costs at Lahore Zoo, affirming that the standard admission price stays at Rs. 100, which caters to approximately 98% of the facility.

She mentioned that extra features come with individual fees: ₹200 for the aquarium and ₹300 for the hologram experience, which adds up to a total of ₹500 for the complete offering.

Aurangzeb explained that some guests incorrectly believed there had been an increase in prices after buying bundled tickets.

To avoid mix-ups, distinct ticket counters have been established for the aquarium and hologram exhibits.

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Children Flood Zoos as Funfairs Draw Crowds on Third Day of Eid

Across the nation, zoos experienced a lively increase in visitors on Eid-ul-Fitr’s third day as families, particularly children, headed to the wildlife sanctuaries to mark the festive occasion with amusement park activities and thrill.

There was an electric atmosphere as children, along with their guardians, discovered the zoo’s wide array of exotic creatures and relished the calm, verdant surroundings.

A great many people flocked to the zoos in Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and various other major urban centers within the nation. The zoo in Peshawar stands out due to its extensive grounds, sprawling across 29 acres adjacent to the University of Peshawar, and houses the most comprehensive assortment of indigenous and foreign fauna in all of Pakistan.

Upon arrival, striking statues of an elephant and a giraffe at the entrance draw the eye of every visitor approaching via Rahatabad Road, igniting their interest. One such excited guest was Anaya Khan, a 9-year-old pupil hailing from the Nowshera district, whose delight knew no bounds following her inaugural visit to the zoo.

“Today, seeing wild creatures such as the cobra, lions, falcons, and giraffes up close became a reality,” exclaimed Anaya, her face lit up with joy. “I owe a huge thanks to my father for making this long-held wish of mine from childhood come true.” Similar to many visitors, Anaya was impressed by how the zoo had created environments resembling their natural habitats for the animals, along with the clean and organized visitor amenities.

The extensive collection of exotic animals at the zoo was the main attraction, drawing children and families who were enthralled by the lions, bears, tigers, giraffes, and the regal falcons.

Tourists arrived from distant areas like Khyber, Kohat, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Mohmand, and Swabi, along with the event’s location, Peshawar. They were cordially welcomed by wildlife specialists who offered informative details about the creatures present.

Established by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, this zoo houses a wide variety of creatures including animals and birds hailing from different parts of Pakistan.

The zoo’s attractions, like the expansive eagle habitat where you can see both brown and black eagles flying, draw many guests. Additionally, it features zebras, camels, deer, ducks, pheasants, along with an array of birds that captivate visitors.

For visitors looking to see the zoo more quickly, a safari bus is offered, and a restaurant is on hand to provide meals.

Moreover, the zoo provides complimentary rides on swings, camels, and a small train — all adding to a delightful time for kids. Professor Sundas, who accompanied her child from Nowshera, commended the zoo as a blessing for the citizens of Peshawar, boosting not only the area’s aesthetics but also improving the quality of life for its inhabitants.

Previously, I used to travel to Islamabad and Lahore just to visit their zoos. But this year, I didn’t have to venture elsewhere since the Peshawar Zoo became an excellent substitute,” she mentioned.

Sundas highlighted how her children had a special attraction to the falcons at the zoo, underlining its significant educational benefits.

“It serves not only as a venue for fun but also as an essential resource for learning and study for young people interested in animals and zoology,” she said additionally.

Nevertheless, she highlighted aspects that require enhancement, including adequate shelters, shading solutions, and an increased number of trees for the animals’ benefit, along with improved healthcare infrastructure for their treatment.

She proposed setting up a testing lab onsite to avoid future health issues for the animals and also recommended reviewing the zoo’s entry fees, suggesting that young children should not have to pay.

The experts at the zoo likewise encouraged visitors to act responsibly and advised them not to throw stones or tease the animals.

Zoo authorities highlighted the significance of keeping everything clean and asked visitors to work together with employees so that the zoo stays an inviting and secure spot for all.

With the conclusion of the Eid festivities, the zoo emerged as a beacon of enjoyment, learning, and connection—not only for the residents of Peshawar but also for tourists hailing from all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and further afield.

It’s evident that the Peshawar Zoo has transcended being merely a wildlife sanctuary; it has become an essential component of the area’s cultural and social landscape.

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Discover the Transformations Shaping Rural Life in Thailand

Visitors to the art exhibition are encouraged to explore the relationship between humanity and nature through “A Beast Of No Burden,” which begins today and continues until April 12 at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on the first floor near the Pathumwan intersection.

Supported by the Embassy of Poland, “A Beast Of No Burden” is an initiative led by Polish visual artist and curator Anna Kedziora. This project features a floor installation composed of clay tiles adorned with distinctive patterns created from water buffalo hoof prints.

The exhibition’s title draws upon a water buffalo that formerly ruled over the countryside of Thailand and numerous other Southeast Asian nations. This creature provided essential strength for labor but, much like in most parts of the globe where animals assist with livelihoods and sustenance, it frequently became nearly one of the family members.

Kedziora’s creation was influenced by transformations in Thailand’s countryside after the introduction of agricultural mechanization, technological advancements, and the shift from using conventional farm animals to employing machines.

This shift led to the disappearance of deep connections between farmers, their families, and animals. Despite these changes making farming more convenient through advanced technologies, they have also taken away the distinctive relationship farmers once had with the natural world.

The flooring installation featuring hoof prints, sized around 2 meters by 2 meters, seeks to reintroduce the essence of animals into daily routines. Walking directly on it without shoes, as is common in Thailand, naturally fosters a tactile connection with these creature’s tracks.

Today at 6 pm, the opening ceremony will take place, after which there will be a conversation with the artist.

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Watch Moscow’s Squirrels Go High-Tech: AI-Powered Feeders Live Stream Their Adventures

Watch Moscow’s Squirrels Go High-Tech: AI-Powered Feeders Live Stream Their Adventures

A pair of individuals based in Moscow is transforming wildlife tracking through the use of artificial intelligence to tally and monitor squirrels within the city’s green spaces.

Viktor Bokrenev and Olga Gorlova have set up remotely controlled feeding stations fitted with cameras, enabling observers to view the creatures live.

Their artificial intelligence program monitors not just the activities of squirrels but also recognizes different individuals, offering useful information about what they eat.

Having seven feeding stations set up, they aim to broaden their initiative and enhance the preservation of urban wildlife.

You can check out Viktor Bokrenev and Olga Gorlova’s site at
smotrikormi.ru
And observe the fuzzy inhabitants in motion around the clock!

Ancient Welsh Cattle Struggle for Survival

Ancient Welsh Cattle Struggle for Survival

Endangered Welsh cattle with a lineage tracing back over 1,000 years could become extinct, according to a conservation group.

The Ancient Cattle of Wales breed has been included in the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s (RBST) priority list in their newest watchlist, indicating it is now in critical condition and requires immediate attention to secure its future existence.

The RBST mentioned that these robust farm creatures possess significant characteristics, including their role as an efficient beef breed known for producing high-quality meat and thriving in poorer quality pastures of the upland areas.

This breed is also highly effective for conservation grazing, aiding in natural preservation efforts.

The organization stated that the breed currently faces a “critical state,” marked by a worrying decrease in the registration of new calves and the dismantling of multiple well-established herds due to retiring owners.

The breed boasts an ancient lineage, as records show the existence of colored cattle in Wales traceable back to the era of Welsh King Hywel Dda in the 10th century, according to the RBST.

The mid-size cattle, featuring sizable ears and soft, dense fur, come in six color varieties: they can be white with black or red markings, belted, entirely red, blue-toned, smoke-colored, or mouse-colored. Additionally, there’s a pattern known as “line back,” where the animal displays any of these colors alongside a distinctive white stripe running down its back, tail, and underbelly.

Specific hues were often favored in particular regions; however, their popularity waned over time. Eventually, the ancient cattle of Wales were maintained and propagated solely at a handful of isolated upland farms across the country.

In the 1970s, a cluster of farmers pinpointed the surviving colored livestock in the Welsh hillsides. Since being established in 1981, the Ancient Cattle of Wales Society (Gwartheg Hynafol Cymru) has meticulously documented the breed, compiled a herdsbook for pedigreed animals, and strived towards boosting their numbers.

Christopher Price, the trust’s chief executive, stated: “This particular breed excels at conservation grazing which benefits both the environment and biodiversity. Additionally, it serves as an economically viable option for raising beef in hilly and upland regions.”

Nevertheless, there has been a genuinely worrying decrease in newborn registrations over recent years, along with multiple long-standing herds being dissolved after their owners retired.

“The breed currently faces a critical situation,” he stated. “Our ultimate aim is to see the breed flourish once more; these robust cattle could play an essential role in sustainable agriculture in the UK, where producing food aligns closely with environmental preservation.”

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UK Farmers on Alert as Bird Flu Found in Sheep

London, March 24 (PA Media/dpa/GNA) — The Chief Veterinary Officer of the United Kingdom announced that avian influenza has been detected in sheep at a British farm previously affected by the virus among poultry.

A solitary sheep exhibited a recurring positive result during repeated milk tests after standard monitoring of animals at a location in Yorkshire, northeast England. This area had previously reported cases of avian influenza H5N1 among confined birds.

During the surveillance of animals on affected farms following the outbreak of the illness among dairy cattle in the United States, this discovery was made.

The sick sheep was euthanized out of compassion, and subsequent tests did not reveal any additional infections among the rest of the herd, according to authorities.

This marks the initial instance of the virus being detected in a sheep; however, authorities stated that this isn’t the first occurrence of avian influenza appearing in non-avian livestock elsewhere. They also noted that this doesn’t pose an elevated threat to the United Kingdom’s herd animals.

However, they urged all farmers and animal owners to remain watchful and implement strong biosecurity practices to safeguard their livestock and stop any potential spread should an outbreak occur.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, stated: “We have verified the presence of avian-origin influenza (H5N1) in one sheep at a farm located in Yorkshire.”

Stringent biosafety protocols have been put in place to halt the continued dissemination of the illness.

Although the threat to farm animals is minimal, I strongly advise all pet and livestock caretakers to maintain impeccable hygiene standards and to promptly inform the Animal Plant Health Agency about any indications of illness.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) emphasized that the situation was limited to a single small farm and posed no threat to food safety.

The NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, stated: “There isn’t a danger to consumer food safety, and it’s crucial to emphasize this point.”

What this demonstrates, however, is the significance of biosecurity and grasping the true meaning of biosecurity.

In the realm of sheep farming, we typically associate the phrase with merely acquiring livestock. However, in this case, sheep and poultry shared the same farmland, leading to the spread of avian influenza.

He mentioned that the blending of stocks should be prevented when certain areas of England were implementing compulsory accommodation for birds because of avian influenza outbreaks.

Professor Ian Brown, who leads a team at the Pirbright Institute—a premier facility focused on researching animal diseases—commented that discovering avian influenza in a sheep that had been near infected birds wasn’t surprising.

It’s premature to assess if the virus can propagate further among sheep, as this case involved a single small farm with only a few birds and sheep.

However, he noted: “This underscores the significance of isolating different species and upholding proper agricultural sanitation.”

GNA


PDC

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