Lecturer Dr Zeeshan Durrani and PhD scholar Hayley Crosby-Durrani recently visited Lahore, Pakistan to take part in a knowledge exchange event on improving animal welfare in zoo animals and wildlife.
“The objective of this two-week programme was to support the conservation of endangered species by sharing best practices in caring for zoo animals. From improving the management and training of zoo animals in captivity to raising standards in the health and welfare of zoo animals, there was much to cover.
Participants came from a wide range of sectors including district vets; zoo vets; zoo keepers; zoo curators; and private sector personal involved in keeping wildlife and zoo animals.
Through a series of talks and practical workshops, the event allowed academics to share modern zoo practices with the local participants. There were many institutes involved in this course from both the UK and Pakistan including the University of Liverpool, Colchester zoo, Cranfield University, and hosted by the University of Punjab and Lahore Zoo.
The Minster of Education in Pakistan and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Punjab also joined us on the last day.
Addressing the concluding ceremony, the minister said that local zoo keepers and wildlife officers would benefit from the experience and knowledge shared at the event.
We both very much enjoyed the event and our highlight has to be meeting so many enthusiastic people who are dedicated to improving the welfare of animals, both wildlife and zoo animals kept in captivity.
It was great to meet such welcoming people who were passionate to show off the friendly nature of the people in Pakistan.
The International Technical Training and Skill Development in Animal Keeping program was fully funded by the British Council under INSPIRE (International Strategic Partnership in Research and Education).”
Dr Durrani is a lecturer at the Institute of Veterinary Science and Hayley is a PhD student at the Institute of Infection and Global Health who has recently completed a residency in Veterinary Pathology at the University of Liverpool.
