Some Recent news and photos from the Baghdad Zoo
The Baghdad Zoo
This report is just in from Baghdad (March, 2008)
Short History of the Baghdad Zoo
• Located in Zarwa Park in Central Baghdad, the Zoo opened in 1971. At
that time, it was one of the largest zoos in the Middle East. It closed
in 2002 to be used as a quasi-military base.
In April 2003, the Zoo's animals suffered at the start of the
Iraqi war after Fedayeen Saddam Troops positioned themselves
around the zoo. Their presence prevented staff from feeding or caring for the
animals. In the chaos of ensuing battles, many of the zoo animals
escaped or were stolen or killed for food. Of the original 650-700
animals in the Baghdad Zoo's collection, only 35 survived.
• In Mid-April 2003, South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony and
the zoo directors Dr. Adel Mousa and Dr. Husham Hussan helped secure
the Zoo and save the remaining animals with assistance from the U.S.
354th Civil Affairs Brigade.
• By July 2003, the Baghdad Zoo's collection had grown to 86, as
additional animals arrived from private collections and zoos nearby.
Current Situation
Currently, the Baghdad Zoo is open to the public and undergoing regular improvements.
A dramatic main entrance welcomes visitors.
Renovation projects are evident throughout the zoo. Concrete sidewalks are being replaced with marble slabs.
The zoo grounds are well maintained. There is little evidence of trash. The grounds are well kept.
Some improvements are still needed in the area of large-scale clean-up.
The recently constructed aquarium houses several species of fish and reptiles.
Improvements to the bird habitats include new cages and netting.
The zoo veterinary clinic survives solely through donations of medical equipment and supplies.
Although a bit over-crowded, water birds such as pelicans, ducks and geese find comfort in the recently renovated water pond.
Carnivores benefit from newly expanded inside and outside living areas.
Two brown bears from Northern Iraq are recent additions to the
collection.
Primate cages remain small. The zoo remains short of equipment for
animal enrichment and has not managed to protect the animals from
negative visitor interactions.
Ungulates such as antelope, camels and wild boar are housed in outdoor enclosures that have adequate roaming space.
In addition to visiting the animals in the Baghdad Zoo, Zarwa Park
offers visitors paddle boat rental, children’s playgrounds, picnic
areas and an amusement park complete with functioning rides.
The number of zoo visitors has doubled since September, 2007. Vendors
sell beverages and snacks such as nuts, cotton candy and sweets. Local
visitors are drawn to the park because it offers a safe, peaceful
location for gathering with friends and family.
Dr. Adel Mousa, the Baghdad Zoo Director, with one of the zoos surviving original cheetahs.
The
staff at the Baghdad Zoo works to ensure the safety and well-being
of the animals and provide a welcoming environment for visitors.
This zoo still depends on support from state-side zoos and
the Second Brigade Special Troops Battalion.
Summarized from a report submitted by Diane Siebrandt, Cultural Heritage Officer, US Embassy Baghdad.
