Alongside Karachi Zoo's
enclosures for elephants and deer, hidden behind a curtain in an ornate
pavilion, a mythical half-fox, half-woman chimera who has been the zoo's top
attraction for generations. From her languid repose inside a specially designed
bed, she delights visitors on their days out to the zoo, in Pakistan's
commercial capital, with her wit and wisdom.
Murad Ali, 33, is
the man behind Mumtaz. He dresses as
the woman with the body of a fox and gets into character for up to 12 hours a
day. The father of two inherited the role from his father who died 16 years
ago. Mohammad Fahim Khan, the zoo's
director, says Mumtaz became a permanent exhibit after a few people from a
circus offered to set up the attraction there 40 years ago.
'Women and children
especially are keenly interested in this character. They come here; they watch
her and talk to her. This is an art. He is like an actor who plays this role
and entertains the people,' said Mr Khan. A ticket to see Mumtaz costs just
Rs10 (0.10 U.S dollar) but the show still manages pay Mr Ali and couple of
helpers, as well as turn a profit.
'The people, who visit
here, go away happy. And knowing that they feel happy makes me happy too,' Mumtaz
told Reuters. 'There is a bond of love
between me and them. Life is very short; it should be spent spreading smiles.'
In addition to witty conversation, Mumtaz is also known as a fortune-teller. Students come to her with
questions about their examination results, while concerned mothers consult her
about their daughters' prospects for marriage.
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