Mariam A. Rehman, Dr. Kiran A. Rehman, Habib Ur Rehman, Obaid Ur Rehman
Saudi Aramco Ex-employee Association (SAEEA) Pakistan member and Aramco annuitant Engr. Iqbal Ahmed Khan recently visited DANzoo, the Day and Night Safari Park in Bahria Town Karachi, along with his family; daughter Dr. Kiran Ata Ur Rehman and son-in-law Dr. Ata Ur Rehman along with their children Mariam, Habib and Obaid, and their paternal family, Hk. Abdul Bari, his wife Afifa Bari and their five children, Umaima, Anas, Zubair, Hadiyah and Khaula.
Iqbal's granddaughter Mariam shares her account of the family's experience at DANzoo ~
The zoo itself is located in Bahria Town Karachi, Pakistan. Bahria is a large town located near the southern end of Karachi. It has all types of housing opportunities, an amusement park, a zoo, and several mosques around the premises.
The word DAN is an abbreviation for 'Day and Night'. True to its name, the zoo is open for longer than any average zoo. Instead of closing in the evening, the zoo is open until 11 at night. As expected, at night the zoo is very well lit providing a clear view of the animals without disturbing them if they are asleep. The zoo is filled with a variety of animals ranging from big cats to exotic birds and even a small number of reptiles.
Left to Right: Hadiya Bari, Mariam A. Rehman and Khaula Bari
In front of the main entrance gate - Left to Right: Akhtar Un Nisa, Mrs. Afifa Abdul Bari, HK Abdul Bari, Engr. Iqbal Ahmed Khan, Dr. Kiran A. Rehman and Dr. Ata Ur Rehman
When one reaches the zoo, the first thing to come into view is the enormous entrance gate. The gate itself is very eye-catching and colorful. On top of the entrance gate are two decorative, large gorilla statues. Beyond the entrance, a map is on display showing exactly where everything is located and how to get there followed by a handful of shops where refreshments are available.
The first display is a large variety of exotic birds. The bird gallery is divided into two parts; one for larger birds - like different species of macaws which include full adult-size scarlet macaws, the hyacinth macaws, military macaws, and more - and one for smaller birds like cockatiels, grey parrots, green parrots, and even turkeys. The gallery is equally divided in half, as mentioned above, to appeal to visitor's preferences regarding the species or size of birds they like.
A nice view of sunset from the Zoo
Black swans wandering in the pond
Due to a recent accident, a fire broke out in the bird gallery which led to the death of a large number of birds. While some birds were rescued and taken into intensive care, many birds perished due to the intensity of the fire.
Moving further along, we see a very large pond-like structure divided into two with the help of a thick concrete wall. On one side of the pond, we see a variety of ducks, white swans and black swans whereas on the other side of the wall are alligators. The contrast between such a gentle and such a violent animal is purely ironic.
Next, we are welcomed by the king of the jungle - a pair of African lions. There are different types of lions; including a rare white lion, as white is a rare color mutation. As we walk past these large enclosures we come up close with some other big cats including tigers, a black panther, a pair of cheetahs, jaguars, leopards and even a pair of Savannah cats.
A lioness resting after dinner time.
A bear cub relaxing after dinner.
Moving further on we see a large enclosure made for bear cubs. On exhibit are black bear cubs. Black bears are often hunted in parts of the world as hunting them is a symbol of strength for some societies. We learned that black bears have thick skin which helps them keep warm.
Next, we come across a tower enclosure made for giraffes whose ages vary from fully grown to fawns.
As we move further along we come across a herd of Llamas, this enclosure is filled with a variety of different colors of Llamas. Then in an enclosure nearby they have zebras, this enclosure is filled with a number of colts as mating season recently ended in March.
Two big deer are enjoying their dinner.
Monkey is playing in his cage.
We also come across different species of monkeys such as the Guinea baboons and crab-eating macaque. There are more than 260 different species of monkeys in the world. The monkeys on exhibit at DANzoo are made very comfortable.
The zoo also showcases a wide range of deer including the common fallow deer, elk, white-tailed deer, reindeer and many more. Each species is provided a separate area.
Lastly, the zoo also showcases a large number of ostriches and peacocks. Regarding peacocks, one can see both the classic and white peacocks, and if lucky they might be able to see one of the male peacocks spread his feathers.
Peacocks strolling around the enclosures.
Mariam Ata Ur Rehman, author of the report, in her school uniform.
The zoo is a great spot for a family day out and it is not extremely time-consuming. People of all ages can enjoy it while simultaneously being able to learn a lot about animals. The zoo is spread over a large area and there is a lot of walking. Tour carts are available if you want to explore without getting exhausted.
~by Mariam Ata Ur Rehman, student of class-X in Generations School Karachi.