The Erbil Zoo and Moscow Zoo have signed a joint protocol to enhance cooperation in wildlife protection and management. The agreement aims to improve conservation efforts for endangered animals and promote global collaboration in animal care.
The signing ceremony took place in Moscow with coordination from the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Representatives from both sides attended the event under the supervision of the Asian Organization for Animal Protection (GAZI). The two zoos plan to exchange expertise and coordinate on breeding programs to help preserve threatened species.
Hirsh Khushnaw, the director of the Erbil Zoo, said the agreement would strengthen cooperation between both institutions. He added that it allows the exchange of animals between the two zoos, focusing on relocating endangered species for better protection. He emphasized that this step supports international efforts to safeguard wildlife and expand conservation programs.
Khushnaw highlighted that Erbil Zoo is one of Iraq’s leading animal facilities and among the best in the Middle East. The zoo follows international and European standards for animal welfare. It houses over 2,000 animals, including 200 species of birds and mammals. Fifteen species are classified as globally endangered. The zoo also hosts a rare pair of orange tigers, one of only 30 pairs in the world.
Erbil Zoo began construction in 2010 and opened in 2021. The project includes three phases, two of which are already complete. The final phase will be finished by 2030. The zoo is financially supported by Tayyar Company, part of the 77 Group.
This collaboration reflects a growing global trend toward protecting wildlife through international partnerships. Over 20 organizations from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Singapore, India, and Latin American countries are part of the GAZI network, supporting similar conservation initiatives.