Entertainment

Lahore Safari Zoo to auction a dozen lions

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

LAHORE: To free up space for pride that won’t stop growing, a zoo in Pakistan is auctioning off a dozen lions to private collectors next week.

Lahore Safari Zoo now has so many big cats that their lions and tigers have to take in turns accessing the paddocks, said Tanvir Ahmed Janjua, the zoo’s deputy director.

“Not only will we free up more space here, but our expenses for meat to feed them will also decrease,” he told AFP.

The zoo is currently home to 29 lions, and officials plan an auction on August 11 to sell 12 of them, aged between two and five years old.

There are also six resident tigers and two jaguars.

Conservationists are opposed to the sale, with the environmental group WWF saying the creatures should be moved to other established zoos, or breeding females sterilised or given contraceptives.

In this picture taken on August 3, 2022, visitors look at lions at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

“Animal exchanges and donations between zoos are a widely accepted practice,” the organisation’s Uzma Khan told AFP.

“Once an institution such as a zoo places a price tag on a wildlife species it is promoting trade — which is counterproductive to conservation,” she added.

Keeping lions, tigers and other exotic wildlife as pets is not uncommon in Pakistan and is seen as a status symbol.

Wealthy owners post images and video clips of their big cats on social media and rent them out as props for movies and photoshoots.

In this picture taken on August 3, 2022, lions are seen at their enclosure at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

Zoo officials have set a reserve of 150,000 Pakistan rupees ($700) per cat, but hope each will fetch around two million rupees.

Not just anyone can take part in the auction, however.

Janjua said buyers will have to be registered with provincial authorities and show they have the means to provide proper care and shelter for the creatures.

Zoo veterinary officer Muhammad Rizwan Khan told AFP an initial attempt last year to auction lions fell through as potential buyers lacked the necessary documentation or licences.

Nouman Hassan, who fell foul of authorities in the past when he was filmed walking his pet tiger on a leash in Lahore, plans to take part.

In this picture taken on August 5, 2022, a lion rests in a jungle at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

“I will try to buy two to three lions for sure,” he told AFP, adding the auction was a good way to diversify the gene pool for private collectors who already owned a big cat.

With little legislation to safeguard animal welfare, zoos across Pakistan are notorious for their poor facilities, but the Lahore Safari Zoo is considered one of the best, set over 200 acres.

In April 2020 a court ordered the only zoo in the country’s capital to shut down after poor facilities and mistreatment of the animals there were revealed.

The facility had drawn international condemnation for its treatment of an Asian elephant named Kaavan, who was later airlifted to retirement in Cambodia in a jumbo project spearheaded by US popstar and actress Cher.

Veterinarian Khan said the animals at Lahore Safari Zoo were being given the best possible care — something reflected in their fecundity.

“They are experiencing a good life in captivity with us,” he said.

Entertainment

Who is the mystery man behind Jannat Mirza’s rumours of his engagement?

Published

17 hours ago

Farwa

One of the most well-known TikTok performers in Pakistan, Jannat Mirza, has gained attention from her followers lately due to engagement rumours.

Jannat has amassed a sizable social media following thanks to her lip-syncing abilities, fashion taste, and acting prowess.

The name Jannat Mirza was formerly associated with Umar Butt, a fellow TikToker. While creating TikTok videos together, the two grew close and ultimately made the decision to tie the knot.

But by 2023, the pair had formally split up, despite Jannat’s announcement in 2021 that they had struck an understanding. Later, Umar Butt announced their breakup and urged followers to be considerate of their privacy.

Engagement of Jannat Mirza

By posting a picture of a stunning ring on her hand on Instagram, Jannat Mirza recently gave rise to rumours that she was engaged.

Social media users began to wonder a lot about her relationship status as a result of this. The mystery was increased when a video of Jannat and an unidentified man wearing black appeared.

The video has Jannat donning a purple outfit, but the mystery man’s identity is kept a secret since his face is covered the entire time. Jannat seems pleased and happy with him in spite of this. The engagement rumours were further stoked by the video, which featured black and purple heart emojis.

Enquiries regarding Jannat’s new relationship flooded the comment sections as fans reacted to the film and the ring photo with enthusiasm and curiosity. People are very interested in Jannat Mirza’s personal life, as seen by comments like “Who is Jannat Mirza’s next target?”

Fans are anxiously awaiting Jannat Mirza’s formal statement regarding her engagement and the identity of the mystery man, as the rumours about him go on.

Entertainment

Filming for “Yeh Ishq” begins with Sheheryar Munawar and Ushna Shah.

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

Ushna Shah and Sheheryar Munawar, two of the most attractive and well-liked performers in Pakistani entertainment, are now working together for the first time on the drama series “Yeh Ishq.”

Director Qasim Ali Mureed announced on social media that the project began work on Wednesday, sharing a photo of the title’s clapperboard.

In addition to the main performers, the ensemble cast includes experienced actors Shabbir Jan, Irsa Ghazal, Mehmood Aslam, Kinza Malik, and Sohail Sameer in key roles, as well as the newest sensation in show business, Shuja Asad, and emerging starlet Mahenur Haider.

Humayun Saeed and Shahzad Nasib, through their production company Six Sigma Plus, are supporting the upcoming play.

Prominent drama and film director Qasim Ali Mureed, known for his work on “Tich Button,” “Jaan-e-Jahan,” “Mere Humsafar,” and “Prem Gali,” has been tapped to direct the screenplay written by Sadia Akhtar, whose credits include hits like “Woh Pagal Si” and “Muqaddar Ka Sitara.”

Entertainment

A glimpse of Sania Mirza’s relaxed moments

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

After a hiatus following her most recent Hajj trip, former Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza returned to Instagram.

The 37-year-old has a large global fan base, and those followers are quite curious to discover what daily errands Mirza runs.

Though she had been away from social media on her trip to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj last month, it had been a while since she had disclosed specifics about her time spent with friends and family.

Mirza was pictured chilling out with family and friends in her most recent Instagram image.

With a caption that read “Unrolling the B-roll,” the athlete shared images of herself, her gorgeous kid, Izhaan Mirza Malik, and pals, along with a few inane but artistically pleasing shots that showcased the star’s passion for the arts.