Punjab launches Pakistan’s first Mobile Wildlife Clinic

Lahore – The Punjab government has developed Pakistan’s first Mobile Wildlife Clinic for the treatment and rescue of wild animals. The initiative aims to provide medical care to injured and sick wildlife at their current location reducing the need for transportation.

The state-of-the-art mobile clinic based at the Lahore Safari Zoo is equipped with advanced medical facilities including:

– Portable X-ray equipment
– Doppler ultrasound
– ECG machine
– Vital signs monitor
– Oxygen concentrator
– Laboratory testing facilities
– Modern instruments for minor surgical procedures

The clinic can also perform preliminary blood tests and other diagnostic examinations on-site. Dr. Rizwan Khan, Director of Veterinary Services explained that transporting wild animals to hospitals is often difficult and can cause significant stress to the animals during transit.

To address this challenge, the mobile clinic has been designed to allow examination, diagnosis and initial treatment directly at the location where the animal is found. He added that most of the medical equipment in the clinic is portable and rechargeable enabling its use in remote areas, deserts and mountainous regions.

To ensure uninterrupted operation, the vehicle is equipped with both a solar power system and a generator.

According to Dr. Khan, the mobile clinic also carries a modern dart gun which can be used to administer medication or safely sedate wild animals from a distance when necessary. In addition, portable X-ray and ultrasound machines will enable rapid diagnosis and treatment decisions in the field.

Dr. Khan stated that this is the first mobile wildlife clinic of its kind in Pakistan. It will be used across Punjab in zoos, safari parks, wildlife centers and rescue operations. He further revealed that alongside the mobile clinic, a modern wildlife rescue center and a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital have also been established.

Injured or sick animals can be transferred there for advanced medical treatment and surgical procedures. Several animals have already undergone successful treatment and surgeries at the facility.

Officials from the Wildlife Department said the project will significantly improve the timely diagnosis and treatment of injured, sick and rescued animals. It is also expected to help reduce wildlife mortality rates and enhance overall animal welfare across the province.