Sindh Wildlife Department Opposes Relocation of Illegally Imported Exotic Monkeys to Lahore
The Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) has formally opposed the proposed relocation of illegally imported exotic monkeys from Karachi to Lahore, urging the federal government to withdraw its May 8 recommendations and instead follow legal procedures and scientific guidelines.
Background
In January, customs officials at Karachi airport confiscated 26 monkeys—tufted capuchins and marmosets—being imported by M/s Khayal Enterprises on an alleged fake no-objection certificate (NOC) from South Africa. Two of the monkeys died while in custody. In March, the remaining monkeys were handed over to the animal rights organization Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF) due to a lack of coordination among government departments.
SWD’s Stance
The SWD emphasized that all wildlife located in Sindh, regardless of origin, enjoys full legal protection under Section 21 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act 2020. On scientific grounds, the department strongly opposed the transfer of these highly sensitive tropical primates to a facility that lacks adequate species-specific care.
A joint report by the SWD and WWF-Pakistan (Karachi) concluded that relocating the animals to Lahore would not only be harmful to their health and welfare but would also defy sound scientific reasoning and established legal frameworks. The report highlighted that the Lahore-based facility recommended by the federal ministry has previously documented failures in primate care, including inadequate hygiene, poor animal husbandry, limited behavioral enrichment, and a record of animal stress and mortality.
Moreover, there remains an unresolved public health concern as the monkeys were imported through illegal channels and may carry undiagnosed zoonotic pathogens, making their further movement without comprehensive screening a biosecurity risk.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The SWD expressed serious concerns over the decision, noting that no intimation of the recommendation was provided to the trial court. The department emphasized the need for adherence to due legal process and scientific standards in handling such sensitive wildlife matters.
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