154. Pakistan Museum of Natural History – Islamabad
Islamabad has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and recreation, like parks, monuments and museums. One can find something suitable to his/her age, tastes and inclination. However, I know a place that
will excite and fascinate all of you, adults and children alike. It is the Pakistan
Museum of Natural History, definitely a very exciting place for children. It is
situated at Garden Avenue, Shakarparian, Islamabad.
This museum was
established in 1976 and is housed in a large building having three floors and
many galleries to display a very large collection of objects from millions of
years old fossils to mummified animals and their skeletons. Even before you enter
the building you find a skeleton of a huge Blue Whale found near Pasni in 1967.
The museum has three floors and many galleries to display a large number of skeletons, fossils, mummified animals, rocks etc. Wildlife, from now-extinct animals to present-day animals, is shown in their natural environment. Another section shows the threats to our environment due to human activities.
Pakistan Museum of Natural History (09.01.2022.)
A skeleton of a huge whale, which was found in 1967 near Pasni. (09.01.2022.)
The writer. (09.01.2022.)
In the basement section, mostly reptiles like crocodiles, tortoises, snakes, etc. are displayed. Not a very pleasant scene for me.
A crocodile.
Showing the life of cavemen.
Preserved pheasants.
Skeleton of an elephant. (09.01.2022.)
Fossilized head of an elephant. (09.01.2022.)
Skeleton of a giraffe. (09.01.2022.)
Some information about the insects and butterflies. (09.01.2022.)
A curious display of
hundreds of colourful butterflies and insects of all kinds also draws your
attention. I shall not be surprised if, at first glance, they remind you of some
articles of jewellery on display.
I particularly liked the gallery, which exhibits the natural environment of Pakistan and the threat it is facing due to human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, increasing population, and depleting sources of water etc.
The section named Forests of Pakistan also focuses on the environment of Pakistan and its wildlife. Different kinds of animals are shown in their natural environment. Indeed, very informative and entertaining.
Skeleton of a whale. (09.01.2022.)
Rock formations and their various forms are obviously a part of natural history that cannot be ignored in a museum dedicated to natural history. So, a large collection of different types is there to see and study. But the collection that particularly draws the attention of visitors, especially ladies, is that of precious stones. I hope you too will find them fascinating.
Model of a volcano. (09.01.2022.)
A hall displaying a number of animal heads as trophies is also an interesting gallery. Trophies of animals like Bison, Urial, Hog Deer, Sika Deer, Bgaral, Marco Polo Sheep, Markhor, Black Buck, Arabian Oryx, Nilgiri Tahr, Fallow Deer, etc. are part of this interesting collection.
Flowers of Pakistan. (09.01.2022.)
Besides dinosaurs, stuffed
bodies of other animals like deer, bears, yak, fox, wild cat, leopard, birds, etc., are another big attraction at the museum. People, especially children, love to
take pictures with these more affable animals.
All kids love dinosaurs, and many grown-ups, too. So the fans of dinosaurs would be happy to find life-size
models of dinosaurs. They even move and produce frightening sounds as well, to
the great delight of children.
Briefly speaking, a visit to this
museum would be full of fun and learning. It is situated close to some other
famous tourist attractions of the capital, like the Heritage Museum, the Pakistan
Monument and Shakarparian. So next time you are visiting this area, include the Museum of Natural History as part of your plan. It is located at: 33°41’11.55″N, 73° 4’35.85″E.
Tariq Amir
January 18, 2022.
Islamabad
For related posts, visit:
139. Golra Railway Station and Museum, Islamabad.
140. Taxila Museum: Treasure Trove of the Gandhara Civilization
155. Heritage Museum Islamabad (Lok Virsa)
173. Pakistan Army Museum: Rawalpindi!
