Mumtaz Begum, a traditional, mythical fox-human creature played by a man impersonating a woman, has been entertaining visitors to Karachi Zoo for decades.

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Karachi Zoo is a popular getaway for the residents of Pakistan's commercial capital.

Thousands of families have been flocking to the zoo for decades and for a few generations of zoo-goers, Mumtaz Begum, has been a top attraction.

Alongside the enclosures for elephants and deer, there is an ornate pavilion for Mumtaz, a "mythical half-fox, half-woman creature" which talks to visitors.

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

Murad Ali, 33, is the man behind Mumtaz, and plays her character for 12 hours every day.

"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," he said.

The father of two 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 examination results, while concerned mothers consult Mumtaz about their daughters' prospects for marriage.

"I feel very good. I had a nice talk with her. I am really happy. I'm happy I came here," said sixth grade student, Mohammad Osama, after meeting Mumtaz.

For older people, Mumtaz takes them back to memories of their own from childhood encounters with the creature.

"I saw it during my childhood about 40 or 45 years ago. Mumtaz Mahal had arrived in Clifton (in a circus). Today I have come here along with my grand children. I really enjoyed it. It is good and has improved. I liked it more than in the past," said labourer, Mohammad Ismail, smilingly.

The director of the zoo, Mohammad Fahim Khan 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, says Khan.

Khan said those who go under the veil and become Mumtaz are chosen for their talents -- how many local languages they can speak and how well they can act.

"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," Khan said.

A ticket to see Mumtaz costs just Rs10 (0.10 U.S dollar) but the show still manages to turn a profit, pay Murad as well as a couple of helpers.

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