The Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF) animal rights organization has provided a safe shelter for exotic monkeys rescued by Pakistan customs, a press release issued by the NGO said Friday.
Last week, an illegal shipping of 26 monkeys from South Africa, two of which died at the airport while they were in custody of customs officials, was delivered to ACF due to lack of coordination between the government departments.
The sources had said that customs staff had confiscated 26 monkeys, Tufted Capuchin and Marmosts, in January at Karachi airport. They were being imported by m/s khayal Enterprises in an alleged false certificate of non -objection (NO) of South Africa.
“In a heartbreaking case of wildlife trafficking, Pakistan’s customs recently intercepted a group of exotic monkeys who had suffered unimaginable suffering during illegal transport,” said the NGO statement.
“After the rescue, these terrified animals were found in a severely traumatized state: their eyes full of fear, their bodies weakened by hunger and their screams that echoed the anguish of the past days confined in coffin boxes without daylight, food or water,” he continued.
“ACF Animal Rescue, known for its commitment to animal welfare, immediately intervened to provide these monkeys urgent attention and a safe environment,” the statement added.
The organization said that temporary enclosures were built during the night to guarantee the safety and comfort of the monkeys while the work continues in a larger and more permanent sanctuary.
“The new installation, currently under construction, will provide them with the space and mental stimulation that they desperately need, with jungle gyms, old tree trunks and other natural elements to help them recover their physical and psychological well -being,” the statement continued.
He said that in the meantime, the monkeys have received soft blankets, stuffed toys for comfort and a large amount of nutritious foods. ACF said he was also in close contact with the Wildlife Sanctuaries internationally recognized to find them the most appropriate long -term home, one that looks a lot like their natural habitat.
“Given the complexity of the relocation process, including extensive paperwork and high costs, ACF is operating diligently to guarantee a transition without problems. The monkeys are expected to undergo a mandatory quarantine of four months before relocation, which makes their current rehabilitation even more crucial, ”said the statement.
“Our goal is to give these monkeys a second chance in life in an environment where they can heal and prosper,” the statement quoted Ayesha Chundrigar, founder of ACF Animal Rescue.
“His suffering has been unimaginable, but we are committed to ensuring that they never experience so much cruelty,” he added.
“ACF animals rescue calls wildlife conservation organizations, donors and animal lovers to support this critical mission. Those interested in contributing to the attention and relocation of these monkeys can communicate with ACF for more information on how to help, ”the statement concluded.
A study in 2018, compiled through undercover surveys of 55 markets in 23 cities in Pakistan, revealed that most species/animals derived were on sale in these markets are listed within the Convention on International Trade in endangered species and the International Union for the Conservation of the Red List of Threatened Species of Nature.
The study found that Karachi organized the largest number of markets and stores that deal with illegal wildlife, followed by Peshawar. The consumption of the dry meat of the Indian cobra and the sand of the sand was recorded to extend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
