Construction of a new zoo has begun in Dushanbe. A new Zoo is being constructed on the northern outskirts of Tajik capital, not far from the Chorbogh terminal.

The Asia-Plus’s reporter has visited the site for construction of the new Dushanbe Zoo.  Currently, the work on preparing the site construction of the zoo is under way.  Workers are currently just leveling and tamping the ground.  

Recall, the Dushanbe Administration made a decision to move the Dushanbe Zoo already at the beginning of 2020, but the construction work was postponed as foreign specialists could not arrive in Dushanbe due to the coronavirus crisis. 

Design of a new Dushanbe Zoo has reportedly been developed by Moscow planners and it has been submitted for consideration to the Dushanbe Main Directorate for Architecture and Town-Planning.

The new Dushanbe Zoo is designed to keep 1,500 animals and a total area of the new Dushanbe Zoo will be 13 hectares.

Dushanbe Zoo turned 62 years old on April 30 this year.  Over the past 62 years, the zoo has been dilapidated but has never been repaired or rehabilitated.

More than 25 animals died in Dushanbe Zoo in 2021 year alone.  Moreover, the terrarium burned down, and all animals that were there reportedly burned alive with it.

In total, 985 animals of 135 species are reportedly now kept in the Dushanbe Zoo.  50 people now work for the Dushanbe Zoo, and only 32 of them are specialists.

Founded in 1961, the zoo is located in the center of the city on the Luchob River bank (on Ismoili Somoni Avenue).  By 1974, with 1059 animals of 254 species, Dushanbe Zoo was regarded as one of the best zoos in the Soviet Union.  Until the breakdown of the Soviet Union and independence in 1991, the zoo was considered one of the best sightseeing attractions in Dushanbe.  The number of animals was great and diverse. 

National independence in 1991, followed by a civil war lasting until 1997, posed a great threat to the zoo in terms of the loss of species and economic hardship.  Public financing was no longer available to the extent it was before.

Dushanbe Zoo has been member of the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 2007.