Animals of Aleppo Zoo in war-torn Syria sent to Turkey for protection

ANKARA – Doğan News Agency

A group of animals from Aleppo Zoo in war-torn Syria, which was heavily damaged during the clashes in the city, have been sent to Turkey and taken under protection.

Primarily, wild animals which were injured due to civil war were sent to Turkey for treatment and rehabilitation as part of an initiative which was started with cooperation of Forestry and Waterworks Ministry, Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, animal rights NGOs, HAÇİKO and Four Paws.

Three lions, two tigers, two bears and two hyenas have been taken to Karacabey Ovakorusu Bear Shelter in the Marmara province of Bursa and Celal Acar Wildlife Protection and Rehabilitation Center.

Officials stated that taken endangered animals was the first part of the project.

Animal were brought to Turkey in cages for single in a special designed lorry from Syria while officials from Ministry and Four Paws discussing coordination of animals.

Animals will be vet under in details under anesthesia and treated by veterinaries before replacing in suitable shelters.   

Two lions, two dogs are scheduled to be taken on 29 July as part of the second round of the project.    
 
Meanwhile, Forestry and Waterworks Minister Veysel Eroğlu made comments over the project saying that wildlife was common heritage of whole world.

"Our country has an important place in the world in terms of biodiversity. That is why we develop and implement action plans for endangered species which are heritage of the world and living in our country. We are drawing out a road map between current situation of the species and the future location which they could be, in consideration of the information which was gained through action plans about type conservation,” he said.

Eroğlu also remarked that exiting together of all types animals in an only area posed a risk. 

“We are building breeding stations for continuing generation of any animal type. We will replace these animals which were bred in these stations to different areas. So, we will lower the risk on that sort of thing,” he added.

Eroğlu highlighted significance of investment over wildlife in Turkey.

“We will treat these animals which are injured in Syria and which are the common heritage of the Earth, in our rehabilitation centers. It was unthinkable to remain indifferent to this situation,” he added.