Heated buildings for Zoo animals
Animals of Yerevan Zoo aren’t cold any more. As a result of the activities carried out during previous years several buildings heated with new and modern mechanisms ensuring winter care of the animals were built. Powerful infrared lamps temporarily solve the issue of heating the old winter cabins. How are animals taken care of during winter season? “Each animal, depending on its characteristics, needs different care. There are species, which are outside even during this season. The only exception is feline lemurs and the visitors can see them even in winter cages. The nutrition of animals changes during winter. The changes differ from animal to animal, for example, the amount of meat of large predators is increased, in case of waterfowls the juicy meals are replaced with granular meals. There are no problems with food. The food of animals is financed by the state by announcing tenders for planned list of animal feed,” said Director of Yerevan Zoo Ruben Khachatryan. The first phase of the three-phase reconstruction activities implemented by Yerevan Municipality is over. As a result of it this winter the Zoo has new water supply system. If possible during the activities implemented in the future the new cages will be built in the way that the visitors will get a chance to follow the animals also during winter. Asked whether the Zoo is planning to obtain new animals, Mr. Khachatryan said, “Of course there are offers for importing new animals or exchanging animals, but they aren’t approved plans. Before importing any new species of animals Yerevan Zoo is obliged to ensure conditions corresponding to standards of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. So before importing new animals the relevant conditions must be ensured for the already existing animals. The upcoming phases of the activities implemented by Yerevan Municipality will also solve the issue of creating appropriate conditions for new species.” By the way, independent of weather conditions, the Zoo is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 and from 11:00 on Monday.
