Description of the attraction
The only zoo in Kyrgyzstan is located in the city of Karakol. It was founded in 1987. When the Soviet Union collapsed and its former republics were left alone with their problems, the leadership of Kyrgyzstan refused to finance the zoo in Karakol. The wild animals kept here had nothing to eat. The German nature conservation association came to the rescue. Funding from abroad continued until 2013. Funds were allocated only for specific purposes, so there was no talk of expanding the zoo. In 2013, the local government agency for the protection of wildlife took over the care of the zoo.
The area of the zoo in Karakol is 7.5 hectares. There are not many animals here due to limited funding. They are contained on a plot of 3 hectares. About 140 representatives of the fauna of more than 30 species live here. About 10 of them are rare and endangered species. Zoo keepers hope that soon snow leopards - the symbol of Kyrgyzstan - will appear in local enclosures. In past years, it was from this country and neighboring Tajikistan that snow leopards were delivered to zoos around the world.
Local stars are four Tien Shan bears. This species is listed in the Red Book. In 2010, they were joined by two bears from the ousted president's personal zoo. Soon these bears were exchanged for other animals.
The leadership of the zoo in Karakol does not refuse help from ordinary people. Many bring monetary donations, and some deliver a certain number of kilograms of fruit every month, which are used to feed the local pets.
