The Moscow Zoo is the Leading Institution of EARAZA
 

The ХХ century has seen a boom in the zoo science in Europe, North America and in some countries on other continents.  In those countries that have survived a period of socialism “under development”, the number of zoos also increased, but their development was impeded by their respective economic and cultural conditions.  The fate of zoos in our country is well illustrated by that of the Moscow Zoo.  It can be briefly described as the proverbial way per aspera ad astrum.  Its present look and the wonderful collection of rare animals, as well as the education and research work that is being conducted there have not happened by accident, but are the result of a long evolution on its way from a very average zoo to a modern conservation organization. 

Our Zoo has survived the First and the Second World Wars and the difficult times they were followed by, and the resurgence of science at the turn of the 1960s and ‘70s.  In the 1980s the Zoo has started developing close cooperation with the leading zoos of the world, which contributed to the professional growth of its staff.  By the time of Perestroika, the level of research and education work conducted there was sufficiently high.  Before the planned reconstruction of its facilities, its vast collection of mammals and birds had been reduced, but by now it has been mostly re-established.  This has been facilitated by the construction of new buildings, enclosures and other facilities.

In the recent years the number of institutions in Russia that aspire to the name of Zoological Parks or Gardens has been increasing.  Many of them have joined the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (EARAZA).  The cooperation of its members enhances the process of exchange of information and animals, facilitates the development of international programs for the conservation of rare animal species, and helps to implement the reintroduction of some of these species into their natural habitat.  The zoos of our country are undoubtedly facing a great future.

Staff of the Moscow Zoo actively participate in all the International EARAZA Programs and in all its annual workshops and conferences, and publish the results of their research and observations.  Detailed information on this and on the structure and activities of EARAZA can be obtained from our website http://earaza.yard.ru