Leningrad Zoo Sharply Criticized in Report

by Karen Pruitt Fowler and Sarah Wahlert

A report recently issued by the Eurasian Regional Zoo and Aquarium Association (ERZAA) indicates that at least 167 birds, all of the amphibians and nine mammals at the Leningrad Zoo died within the last year.

The report also indicates that the heads of the ornithology, herpetology, zoology, animal nutrition, veterinary and education departments of the zoo resigned in the last year.

The current director, Vladimir Gubanov, had no zoo experience before being given his position in May 2002, "and therefore did not meet the international and Russian requirements to qualify to be a zoo director," according to Vladimir Ostapenko, a scientist employed by the Moscow Zoo.

According to the authors of the report, the Leningrad Zoo has "an unhealthy and nervous atmosphere," and is "a discredit to zoos as organizations in charge of caring for animals."

A major renovation project was started in October 2002, but the authors believe that "the repairs and construction work...are being carried out without taking into account the needs of the animals."

The ERZAA is recommending that the Leningrad Zoo "bring back (its) leading specialists, including its former director Ivan Korneyev."

The Association is also recommending that other zoos request the immediate return of animals currently on loan to the Leningrad Zoo.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.