Beyond Bars- Lahore ZOO to be Re-imagined Reimaging Lahore Zoo through innovating Landscaping and Urbanizing Strategies
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Date
2024
Authors
Khadija Shafqat
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT, Lahore
Abstract
Zoos were traditionally a place where animals were kept under worst conditions, and as
exhibits, only for human entertainment. In early days of known civilization, the animals were
even fought with each other and other human slaves, for the mere pleasures of royalty and
general public. All this didn’t changed much until the second half of last century, when
awareness about environment and animal welfare emerged as the sign of civilization and
progress. Only then studies were made to enhance the environment of zoos, to make it healthy
for cognitive and physical health of animals.
Around 700 Million people visit zoos and aquariums each year, as reported by WAZA (World
Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Lahore Zoo is the third oldest in the world, and
comparatively a better facility, to the ones found in Pakistan. But is not up to the standards of
WAZA due to many reasons, like absence of Zoo animal keeper training, unprofessional record
books, less breeding successes and programs, inadequate captivity facilities for animals, low
standard of veterinary services, and lack of planning for animal collection. Also there is no
proper team of professional veterinary staff who could take care of the nutrition’s of them, and
the public guidance and education is missing.
Our research topic is centered on Lahore zoo. The Lahore Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the
world, and hence in South Asia, was established in 1872 by Englishmen, has long been a
symbol of heritage and conservation in Pakistan. However, its current state reflects outdated
practices that do not align with modern standards of animal welfare and visitor engagement.
The existing design, rooted in traditional exhibit styles, often prioritizes entertainment over the
well-being of the animals on the modern standards. This thesis aims to reimagine the Lahore
Zoo through innovative landscaping and urbanization strategies that focus on creating a more
ethical and immersive environment, enhancing both animal welfare and the visitor experience
without expanding the zoo's physical footprint.
The need for this study stems from the growing global movement which demands every human
to be more responsible towards the environment and ecosystem of our home, the earth. It is
driven by the consequences of irresponsible behavior that was exhibited in the last couple of
centuries by man, owing to the unprecedented advancement of science, which lead to
industrialization and gave us unwanted fruits of pollution, global warming and other hazards.
This responsible thought has also shifted towards preserving the animal kingdom, which is
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vital part of eco system. We have already lost many species, which have become extinct, and
left many endangered. Now people want the modern zoos to be responsible and ecologically
sustainable.
As urban spaces become increasingly limited, there is an urgent need to rethink how zoos can
function as educational and conservation-oriented institutions within cities. By analyzing case
studies from South Asia and beyond, this research identifies key strategies for transforming the
Lahore Zoo into a modern facility that balances ecological concerns with the needs of its
inhabitants and visitors. The emphasis is on creating spaces that mimic natural habitats and
foster positive interactions between animals and people, thus moving beyond the traditional
"bars and cages" approach.
In our study, we have learnt from the worldwide trends of shifting towards natural habitats for
captivated animals and our responsibility to rectify the situation. Through this study we will
learn that how, in the given resources, and with will, we can transform Lahore zoo into a state
of the art modern facility, where not only animals are kept safe and healthy, but also it can be
a facility where endangered species are preserved, reproduced, and reintroduced to the wild.
We have produced through this research a model that integrates landscape architecture, urban
planning, and animal welfare, this thesis underscores the importance of thoughtful design in
creating spaces where conservation, education, and recreation can coexist harmoniously. The
overall goal is to presents a vision for the Lahore Zoo that goes with the contemporary values
of animal welfare and therefore sets a new standard for zoos in South Asia in particular, and in
the world in general.