Dushanbe Zoo
Main Entrance
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| Date opened | 1960 |
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| Location | Dushanbe, Tajikistan |
| Coordinates | 38°35′06″N 68°46′19″E / 38.58500°N 68.77194°ECoordinates: 38°35′06″N 68°46′19″E / 38.58500°N 68.77194°E |
| No. of animals | 600 |
Dushanbe Zoo or Dushanbe Zoological Park was founded in 1960 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 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.
Dushanbe Zoo was founded in 1960. By 1974, with 1059 animals of 254 species, Dushanbe Zoo was regarded as one of the best zoos in the Soviet Union. The relatively mild climatic conditions of Dushanbe allowed 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.
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 economic 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 now being restored.
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 cat family there is a male and female lions, a jaguar and snow leopard. Of local fauna, brown bear, black bear, Bactrian camel, donkey, wolf, jackal, fox, raccoon, and some birds like owl, vulture, golden eagle, and 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.
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