Can kurdistan create a world class zoo

Can Kurdistan create a World Class Zoo?

World Class Zoos

A zoo is a place where people can view and learn about wild and exotic

animals.Modern zoos keep these animals in

conditions similar to how they would live if they were still free in nature.

This keeps the animals healthy and alert, and it makes a zoo ethical,

educational and interesting

World Class Zoos

• Some animals are solitary, while others live in packs, families or

herds. • Every animal is adapted to a certain

natural environment and climate.• They need activity and stimulation. • Good zoos work hard to replicate

these conditions.

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

The overall condition of their animals and facilities is very bad.

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

The condition of the animals in the Sulaimaniya Zoo in Sarchnar Park is despicable.

Parks in Erbil and Dohuk are no better

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

Instead of habitats, animals have small cement cages.

Their fur is matted and stiff with urine because even these cages are not kept clean.

They do not have trained caretakers who know how to interact safely with wild animals.

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

The untrained staff use a hose to occasionally clean the animals and the cages.

No provision is made to keep them at temperatures or in surroundings appropriate to

their species.There is no educational information about their

habits, behavior, or environment.

World Class Zoos vs Zoos in Kurdistan

Let us look at a few specific examples

White peacocks, native to India, are usually kept in a park or garden, where they roam freely. They do not need to

be confined. They stay in their pleasant surrounding.

Peacocks can fan out their tail feathers to a width of up to 5 feet.

Visitors to this zoo will never see this beautiful sight. The bird is trapped in a

cage too small to even allow it to spread its feathers.

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

Which would you rather see?

The puma or mountain lionprefers habitats with dense underbrush

and rocky areas but can also live in open plains

This one is locked into a very small cage with three walls of concrete block.

Pumas jump 15 feet high and 40 feet wide at one lunge, astonishing visitors with their grace and power. This one

can barely move.

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

Which would you rather see?

In the San Diego zoo, striped hyenas are one of the popular attractions. Their stripes work like camouflage,

and children like to try and spot them in their large enclosure among the grass and thorn bushes. In nature,

they live in family groups.

This one is being kept alone in a cage inside another cage, probably because

despair has made him aggressive.

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

Which would you rather see?

Foxes live in underground dens, elaborate tunnel structures that they dig and often use for generations. They are shy and need to be able to retreat into their den to feel safe. The cubs are very playful and visitors love to come when a

new litter has been born.

This fox is dirty and extremely thin and constantly paces up and down his small cage, a sign that he is in great distress.

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

Which would you rather see?

Dogs are intelligent, capable animals who can do important work.

Guide dogs enable their blind or deaf owners to lead safe, fulfilled lives

Search and rescue dogs find people who have been buried by an earthquake or an

avalanche Police dogs can detect drugs, explosives, and

firearms In hospitals, dogs can diagnose lung cancer

in patients more accurately and sooner than a medical test

And millions of dogs provide companionship and friendship as a member of their family

No respectable zoo in the world would even think about exhibiting dogs or cats

Dogs and cats are domesticated animals, pets who live in households or perform work for their owners, such as herding

sheep, catching mice or guarding the home against intruders.

Working Dogs

It is completely inappropriate and cruel to keep dogs in isolation, in barren

cells. The special feature of the dog is his ability and desire to interact with humans, to be “man’s best friend.”

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

Which would you rather see?

Syrian brown bears, they once roamed freely throughout the Middle east. They are now extinct in Egypt, Israel, Lebanon

and Syria. There are still a few in Iran and Turkey

In Iraq they are almost extinct

as local hunters kill them for sport or to

display them in Zoo’s.

Brown Bears in Kurdish Zoo

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

Should Kurdish Zoos be contributing to making a beautiful species extinct?

A humane, modern zoo has facilities that are appropriate to the needs and health and

habitat of the animals, allowing them freedom of movement, companionship, the climate conditions required by their species

and a clean environment. This also makes a visit to the zoo much more

educational and enjoyable for the humans and teaches children respect for living

things.

Miserable, sick animals who are kept imprisoned in tiny, dirty, bare spaces with

no fellowship of others, no exercise, and no stimulation bring disgrace on the humans

who are responsible.

Kurdistan’s Zoos fall far short

How can you Help?

IMMINENT FACEBOOK CAMPAIGN: END ANIMAL ABUSE IN IRAQI KURDISTAN

The zoos in Kurdistan are a disgrace.

We call upon all ethical, kind hearted people in Kurdistan to take action.

Contact your politicians and demand that they end this cruelty

Tell the owners of these zoos that they must provide decent care and facilities for the

animals

Support your local animal welfare organizations

Some of Our Supporters Nature Iraq

Nature Iraq is an Iraqi non-governmental organization registered in Iraq, accredited to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Iraq’s first and only Affiliate to Birdlife International. They work to protect, restore,

and preserve Iraq’s natural environment and the rich cultural heritage it nourishes.

You may want to read their open letter to Kurdish Zoos here http://www.natureiraq.org/site/en/node/157

Stop animal trade in Kurdistan and Iraq https://www.facebook.com/groups/435781116444722/

Kurdistan Animal Protection Organization (KAPOhttps://www.facebook.com/#!/kapo.slemani