Dushanbe Zoo

Dushanbe Zoo

Main Entrance
Date opened	1960
Location	Dushanbe, Tajikstan
Number of animals	600

Dushanbe Zoo or Dushanbe Zoological Park was founded in 1960 in Dushanbe, Tajikstan. The Zoo is located in the center of the city on the Luchob river bank (on Ismoili Somoni Avenue), next to the Pamir Stadium, and measures roughly twice the size of the stadium.

History

The Dushanbe Zoo was founded in 1960. By 1974, with 1059 animals related to 254 species of global fauna, Dushanbe Zoo was regarded as one of the best zoos in the Soviet Union.^[1] The relatively mild climatic conditions of Dushanbe allowed species of tropical fauna to be kept outdoors. Until the breakdown of the Soviet Union and independence in 1991, the zoo was considered one of the best sightseeing attractions in Dushanbe. The number of animals was great and diverse. The two Indian elephants,Delhi and Radsch, were favorites of visitors.^[2]

National independence in 1991, followed by a Civil War lasting until 1997, posed a great threat to the Zoo in terms of the loss of species and economical hardship. Public financing was no longer available to the extent it was before. Staff and volunteers faced a challenge to their own survival. In short, the once-famous zoo was abandoned and left to survive on its own. However, because it is the only public institution to present to the population species of local and foreign fauna, zoo attendance is being restored these days.

Fauna

Today, the number of animals kept is about 600. Dushanbe Zoo is the only institution in the country that supports wildlife in captivity. Animals of both indigenous and foreign species of Asian and African fauna are kept here. Of the exotic animals, some African and Asian primates are kept here. Of the large cats family there is a male and female lions, a jaguar and snow leopard. Of local fauna, brown bears, black bears, Bactrian camel, donkey, wolf, jackal, fox, raccoon, and some birds like owl, vulture, golden eagle, falcon are presented here. Also some reptiles, like snakes, caymans, lizards are displayed indoors. None of the animals enjoy their natural habitat and are kept in cages that are inappropriate for their sizes. The conditions are very harsh for the animals, especially as specialized care is not available.

Connection with Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Albion, Indiana, USA

In 2006, an accident at Dushanbe Zoo led to a student's arm being mauled by a bear. Student pen-pals at schools in Dushanbe and Albion, Indiana brainstormed ways to increase safety at the zoo, and to improve the zoo in general. Working with mentors and sponsoring organizations, the work of the two groups of students resulted in the zoo receiving a $75,000 grant in 2007 from the American Association of Museums, which will allow the zoo to develop a volunteer program, repair fences, add signs, and put in a garden area, picnic area, and playground.^[3]

Notes

1. ^ Botanical gardens and zoo
2. ^ Elephants at Dushanbe Zoo in Tadjikistan
3. ^ Dushanbe ZOO Park: Main/Volunteers

References

• Elephants Database
• Cities Environment Reports on the Internet