A Vervet monkey, along with six other animals, has been born at the Marghazar Zoo in the foothills of the beautiful Margallah Hills in the national capital Islamabad. Other animals born in the zoo, at nearly the same time, include Hog Deer, Blackbuck, and spotted deer. The baby animals are doing well and the administration of the zoo is looking after the young members of animal families with great care.

The Marghazar Zoo is an important animal-friendly place for many different families of animals including birds. The zoo is providing great service to animals and advocates of animal rights by providing a safe environment to various kinds of animals where they live and breed in a close-to-natural habitat. Animal birthing at the zoo is a common and welcome experience and at least 94 births, successful and healthy, of larger animals have taken place over the last 5 years.

Besides herbivores, carnivores, and mammals (including primates), the zoo is also home to several different families of birds including those of pheasants, ducks, doves, and large birds like ostriches. The zoo has also bred the Kilija Pheasant for the first time. The new offspring at the zoo also includes a baby ostrich. The population of birds, like other animals, is increasing and good care is provided to all animals in the zoo.

In many parts of the country, animals are not protected against neglect and abuse and, at many places, stray animals are poisoned by the municipality. The Marghazar Zoo of Islamabad stands as a model of animal-friendly communities where animals live in the care provided by humans. More animal-care facilities are needed in the country to promote biodiversity and improve ecological awareness among the local population.