Yerevan zoo, scientific research institution. Founded in 1940. The area is 85,000 m², of which 52,000 m² are for animal facilities.
The main problems are the preservation of the wild gene pool, the reproduction of rare and endangered species in the wild, the study of climate training methods, the prevention of diseases, as well as the dissemination of environmental knowledge.
About 183 species of animals and birds are kept in cages or fenced areas of the zoo, 34 of which are registered in the International Red Book of Nature Conservation, and 50 in the Red Book of Armenia.
The idea of creating a zoo in Yerevan dates back to the 30s of the 20th century, but the idea of creating the park was realized in 1940 by the decision of the Supreme Council of the USSR. Thus, the Yerevan Zoo is based on 3 hectares of land. Initially, there were only 2 dozen animals and birds in the zoo, which were acquired at the 12th state zoological exhibition held in Yerevan.
In 1954, the park had 4 sections: ungulates, carnivores, birds and reptiles. In 1980, Yerevan Zoo already had 350 species of animals, but in the early 1990s, it decreased by 90%.
Currently, there are about 2,049 species of animals and 2,749 individual animals in the zoo. Species representing the South Caucasus and Armenia include Syrian bears, Bezoar goats, Armenian mouflon, and others. Among the animals brought from other places are African lions, tigers (Bengal and Siberian subspecies), etc.
As Armenia is a biodiversity hotspot, the Foundation for the Conservation of Wildlife and Cultural Heritage (FPWC) has leased and managed approximately 839 hectares adjacent to the Khosrov Reserve, which until recently was unprotected and threatened by illegal logging and overgrazing. Yerevan Zoo is collaborating with FPWC to restore these areas to wildlife and vital wildlife habitats.
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