Around two years after its final residents were relocated abroad, Marghazar Zoo in the country’s federal capital will become the first with virtual reality, bringing ‘visitors closer than ever before to animals.’
According to a report by Dawn, Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) visited the closed Islamabad zoo to discuss the establishment of a virtual zoo there.
Zoos all over the world have long had ethical concerns about keeping wild animals in captivity. Such was the case with Islamabad Zoo, which was forced to close after the world’s loneliest elephant, Kaavan, and other animals were transported on the order of the Islamabad High Court.
After successful launch of guided tours of our Leopard Preserve Zone in MHNP, IWMB now hopes to open up sections of old zoo to public for virtual tours! It’s all about using technology to educate & inspire public! Working on concept with CDA @CDAthecapital @WildlifeBoard pic.twitter.com/kpxjW9HPcL
— Rina S Khan Satti (@rinasaeed) March 6, 2022
Every day, high-tech movies and documentaries will be shown, as well as a virtual show, and a portion of the land will be used to house rescued animals. The public will be educated about wildlife and the importance of preserving their freedom through the visual galleries and 3D shows. The start of construction work on the Islamabad zoo’s revival effort has been set for nearly one and a half months.
Approximately one million people visited the zoo each year before it was closed due to a court order. IHC ordered that all animals in the zoo be relocated to sanctuaries, including the lone elephant, Kavaan, who had attracted international attention. The location was well-known for its deplorable living conditions.
