Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | An Iraqi family walks along a path to the nearest animal exhibit during a visit to the...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. James Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – The Baghdad Zoo opened its doors to Iraqi citizens in 1971. Since then, it has been a key centerpiece to the lives of many Iraqis. Many travel from throughout Iraq to enjoy a peaceful day at the zoo with their families.
Due to the potential threat of violence and security issues in Iraq however, the last several years have not brought many people to the zoo as many feared leaving their neighborhoods and, for some, the safety and security of their own homes.
"After coalition forces pushed into Iraq, ousting the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003, the zoo and surrounding park were left unattended and desolate," said Staff Sgt. Paul Sanford, with the 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "Animals were abandoned, stolen or freed by looters and the park grounds were vandalized."
It was nearly two years before coalition forces began to seriously focus their efforts on the zoo after troops gained a foothold on the adjacent International Zone, which provided the opportunity for Dr. Salah, the Zawra Park director, and Dr. Adel Mousa, the zoo's director, to truly begin rebuilding the area.
Their efforts, combined with the efforts of Multi-National Division – Baghdad, have brought life back into the zoo.
"The people of [Iraq] visit the zoo quite frequently," said Sanford, who works closely with the zoo's director. "It is a central location that helps them see the future of Iraq as a revitalized society and continues to build family relationships and a sense of normalcy in an area so often torn by hardship and conflict. Visiting the zoo and the surrounding Zawra Park area is as much a family outing here in Iraq as it is in the United States."
This time to forge friendships and strengthen family ties would not be where it is today without the efforts of Iraqi security forces and MND-B troops positioned throughout greater Baghdad.
When Iraqi security forces and MND-B cracked down on Special Groups extremists and sent many fleeing the area, it brought new life and a sense of normalcy back to the Iraqi people.
"The current security situation has been one of stabilization and peace in the area, drawing more families from their home and into the park and zoo for leisure and recreational activities once thought to be too risky to chance," said Sanford. "The continued efforts of both coalition forces and the Government of Iraq have allowed people who once only ventured out for necessity to stray far from their homes at times, even if just to see the new tigers, Hope and Riley, now being proudly displayed there and considered a large success by both the zoo staff and coalition forces."
Mousa said he now sees a secure place for people from all over Iraq to visit.
"The people are all smiling; they are happy," the zoo director said.
The security situation has made many Iraqis happy people, but none may be as happy as those children who walk through the gates of the Baghdad Zoo daily to see the lions, tigers, bears, an array of fish, flamingos, crocodiles, alligators or even a little girls favorite, a Pony.
Many are seen smiling, maybe some a bit frightened by those larger animals, as they walk across the green grass or the natural or manmade paths during their leisurely strolls.
Sitting atop the freshly cut green grass are many families with picnic baskets and soda cans in tow. The children seem to run endlessly until exhausted from the heat of the sun or the endless life breathing through their lungs.
Many young couples sit along wooden benches, perhaps even discussing their next steps together in life. It is unbelievable to think that a zoo can provide so much to a land stricken by endless war.
When Sanford visits the zoo to meet with his Iraqi counterpart, he too feels a difference in his surroundings.
As he walks onto the grounds on the zoo, just as many do daily, he finds himself walking along a marble walkway with an array of birds and fowl on either side surrounding him.
"As you walk from cage to cage, you will almost definitely notice the significant difference in cleanliness of the area," Sanford said. "Trash is placed in trash cans and sidewalks are kept swept and clean.
"As you make your way around, you will see families laughing and smiling, couples holding hands and children tugging on their parents to point out some fascinating creature. It is truly an experience – just as fulfilling for Soldiers often surrounded by the frustrations of war and the rebuilding of a country as it is for families often thrown into chaos by acts of seemingly random [violence]."
When leaving the zoo's grounds, one will most likely be reminded of how much every nation has in common no matter how different they are seen.
"The building of families and friendship is the core message provided by the Baghdad Zoo, and it is a message certainly not lost on those of us lucky enough to be a part of that," Sanford said.
Like many nations across the globe, families play an important role in the everyday lives of Iraqi citizens. The Baghdad Zoo offers them a place to strengthen those family bonds.
With young girls in sundresses, families carrying baskets of food and children with smiles for miles, it's a small world without any worry to the situation on the outside.
| Date Taken: | 10.12.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.12.2008 10:13 |
| Story ID: | 24855 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 478 |
| Downloads: | 402 |
This work, Life at Baghdad Zoo returning to normal with stable security, by SSG James Hunter, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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