Yerevan Zoo helps conserve endangered species through breeding and reintroduction programs

Around 50 species listed in Armenia’s Red Book are represented at the Yerevan Zoo, from bezoar goats and Armenian mouflons to various birds and reptiles.

The zoo’s mission goes beyond displaying animals to visitors. It conserves endangered species and implements breeding programs, with some of these efforts carried out through international cooperation.

Whether zoos are necessary is a frequently discussed question.

“As a zoologist, a specialist in a specific field, and an animal lover, I would, of course, wholeheartedly support this idea if it were possible to fully protect animals in the wild so that their lives were not threatened, they did not disappear, and so on. Unfortunately, however, such conditions cannot yet be ensured in the wild,” Ashot Aslanyan, deputy director of the Yerevan Zoo, told Armenpress.

Among the zoo’s residents is Lulu the pelican, who has become famous online for her distinctive appearance. However, her story also has a sad side. The bird, which is listed in the Red Book, was brought to the zoo in serious condition after being injured by a gunshot. Thanks to the care provided by specialists, however, her health was restored.

Mute swans and griffon vultures are also listed in Armenia’s Red Book. The latter play an important role in nature by feeding on animal remains and helping keep the environment clean.

“One of the main functions of zoos in general is to preserve the living gene pool of endangered and threatened animal species. They are important centers for animal conservation and breeding,” the zoo’s deputy director emphasizes.

The conservation of red deer is also of particular importance at the zoo. Since last year, the Yerevan Zoo has been involved as a second center in the program to restore this species, which has disappeared from the wild in Armenia.

Aslanyan said that the Yerevan Zoo thus carries out one of its main functions: it supports environmental programs, helps endangered species reproduce, and contributes to breeding and reintroduction programs.