Commuters in Karachi, Pakistan were in for a surprise on Tuesday, August 29, when a lion managed to escape from a private vehicle and began roaming the streets, causing an unusual traffic jam. According to Reuters, the lion was on the loose for approximately two hours before it was captured.
The Karachi police reported that the lion made its great escape during rush-hour traffic while it was being transported. Wildlife inspector Mukhtyar Soomro expressed relief, stating, “Our teams rushed here immediately. Praise be to Allah, it is with us safely and no one is in danger now.”
Video footage from the scene shows the captured lion being led out by the scruff of its neck.
The lion’s adventure came to an end when it apparently grew tired of walking through traffic and wandered into the basement of a nearby building, where it was apprehended, as reported by Reuters. During its time on the loose, there was a significant traffic jam, with media vehicles and curious onlookers flocking to the scene to catch a glimpse of the escaped lion.
The Pakistan Wildlife Department confirmed that the lion has been taken to a secure compound. However, the owner of the lion, Shamsul Haq, has been detained, and legal action will be taken against him, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Shiraz Nazir.
The incident shed light on the issue of keeping exotic animals as pets in residential areas, which is illegal but not uncommon in Pakistan. Reuters noted that wealthy businessmen often operate private zoos and occasionally showcase these animals to the public.
In court, Haq expressed his disinterest in keeping the lion and suggested that the court may transfer custody to anyone suitable. Pakistani media later revealed suspicions that Haq and his companions were attempting to illegally smuggle the lion to another province when it escaped from the vehicle.
Investigations into the case revealed the presence of an aged tortoise in the vehicle, which contradicted the suspects’ initial claim that they were taking the lion to see a veterinarian due to its alleged illness. Furthermore, the medical team at Karachi Zoo, where the captured lion is being held, confirmed that the lion is in good health. Haq admitted to purchasing the lion approximately a year ago when it was 18 months old.
It remains unclear how or why the lion managed to escape during transit. However, officials speculate that the lion may have become agitated due to being transported in a small and dilapidated cage.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and potential hazards associated with keeping exotic animals as pets in inappropriate settings. Local authorities and wildlife organizations continue to work towards promoting the conservation and responsible treatment of wildlife species.
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