World News for Students of English

02-07-2014 07:00

Thousands of families have been flocking to Karachi Zoo. Mumtaz is a mythical half-fox, half-woman creature who also talks to visitors.

“The people who visit here go away happy and knowing that they feel happy makes me happy too. There is a bond of love between me and them. Life is very short. It should be spent spreading smiles.”

The creature is played by a man who dresses as a woman who looks like she is attached to the body of a fox.

Thirty-three-year-old Murad Ali is the man behind Mumtaz, playing her character for 12 hours every day.

He inherited the role from his father who died 16 years ago. In addition to witty conversation, Mumtaz is also known as a fortune teller. Students come to her with questions about their exam results.

“I had a nice talk with her. I’m really happy. I’m happy I came here.”

The director of the zoo says Mumtaz became a permanent exhibit after a few people from a circus offered to set up the attraction in the zoo 40 years ago.

Mumtaz has always been played by men because they are able to respond better to those who harass Mumtaz.

Difficult words: flock (come somewhere in large numbers), inherit (to receive something from your parent), witty (clever and entertaining), exhibit (attraction), harass (say bad things).

Source: www.itn.co.uk