Four rescued pelicans released at Haleji Lake

KARACHI: The Sindh Wildlife Department has released four pelicans into Haleji Lake Wildlife Sanctuary after rescuing the birds during an attempted illegal transfer to Karachi, according to Chief Conservator Sindh Wildlife Javed Mahar.

Mahar said 15 pelicans had been taken into custody while being moved from Dadu to Karachi. He said the birds' eyes had been stitched shut with needle and thread, after which the department carried out a procedure to reopen them. Following a detailed assessment, officials found that 11 of the pelicans had clipped wings and could not fly, while four had intact wings and were in satisfactory condition. Those four were then released into their natural habitat at Haleji Lake, he said.

The remaining 11 pelicans have been moved to the pond at Karachi Zoo for treatment and care. Mahar also said those transporting the birds had tried to hide them by placing nine goats in the same vehicle. Under court orders, the goats remain with Sindh Wildlife staff, while their owner will pay for their feed.

Earlier, the department had said it thwarted an attempt to smuggle pelicans and rescued 16 birds that were being transported in sacks in what officials described as inhumane conditions. Acting on a tip-off, a wildlife team carried out a late-night raid and intercepted a loading truck travelling from Dadu to Karachi. Three suspects were arrested and the birds were seized under Sections 33 and 34 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act. Officials said a criminal case would be registered against the accused, carrying the possibility of fines and imprisonment.

Deputy Conservator Sindh Wildlife Mumtaz Soomro said the action was launched on intelligence about illegal wildlife trafficking.

Officials said pelicans are among the largest flying birds, with a wingspan of up to 10 feet, and are known for long-distance migration. They mainly feed on fish and live around freshwater lakes and rivers. According to experts cited by officials, the birds are often hunted for body fat that is extracted and sold as oil on the black market by unqualified practitioners at high prices, despite warnings from medical professionals that such remedies have no scientific basis and may endanger health.

Officials added that pelicans are among the oldest bird species and are found across Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and the Americas. Pakistan hosts migratory pelicans during winter, with Keenjhar, Haleji and Manchar lakes serving as seasonal wetlands for them. They said pollution, environmental degradation, illegal hunting and climate change are increasing threats to the species, while conservationists have called for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness to curb wildlife crime and protect vulnerable species.