A brown bear is expected to arrive in Ashgabat in the coming days. Colleagues from the Moscow Zoo are donating it to the National Museum of Wildlife of Turkmenistan. Professor Eldar Anverovich Rustamov, a scientific consultant at the National Museum of Wildlife of Turkmenistan and a Doctor of Biological Sciences, spoke with a “Turkmenportal” correspondent about this.

As a reminder, a year ago, in connection with the Ashgabat Zoo's accession to the international organization EARAZA, a brown bear named Sumbar, donated by the Volokolamsk Center for Reproduction of Rare Wild Animals, a division of the Moscow Zoo, took up residence there. To keep Sumbar entertained, he will be joined by a female bear, already named Aydere.

Lions and other animals from the Moscow Zoo are also awaiting their turn to arrive in Ashgabat, the scientist explained.

Our conversation with E. Rustamov was no coincidence – today is World Animal Day, and one of the goals of zoos worldwide is the protection and restoration of rare fauna species.

As the scientist went on to explain, October 4 is considered World Animal Day in most countries and applies to all animals, including domestic, wild, and farm animals. This day is intended to unite people's efforts in preserving and protecting wildlife. Traditionally, various events, charity events, and educational activities are held on this day.

Speaking about animal protection laws, E. Rustamov noted that in 1987, the Council of Europe adopted the Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. December 10 is celebrated as International Animal Rights Day. This day was established in 1998 and coincides with the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). It emphasizes that animals, like humans, have the right to life, liberty, and protection from suffering. April 24th is celebrated as Laboratory Animal Day, established by the International Network for Humane Education in 1979 and supported by the UN. In 1986, the Council of Europe adopted the Convention for the Protection of Experimental Animals. In 2019, the term "animal rights activist" even emerged, as the concept of animal rights defender expanded, particularly among charities and public organizations. Many cities employ volunteers who help animals. Naturally, keepers—zoo employees who care for and look after animals—are also considered volunteers.

"By the way, our Ashgabat Zoo employs over 200 keepers who love their animals dearly, monitor their diet, and treat them with compassion. We would also like to congratulate them on today's holiday—Animal Day," Eldar Anverovich noted. "I'd also like to remind you of another important date: since 1979, October 6th has been celebrated as World Habitat Day." This holiday aims to draw humanity's attention to the problem of preserving wild animal habitats. People must not forget that, due to economic activity, many animals are losing their natural habitats, and some species are disappearing from the face of the Earth, the scientist concluded.

The interview was conducted by Maral HYDYROVA