Statistics indicate that Iran has approximately 70 zoos, of which only 44 have been ranked to date. Evaluations reveal that the majority of Iran’s zoos fall significantly short of both national and international standards. Key zoo ranking criteria include proper nutrition, suitable hygiene, cage size and design, and spaces tailored to the specific needs of each species. However, many of these facilities lack the essential infrastructure and environmental conditions necessary for the welfare of animals.

Budget shortages, a lack of trained professionals, and ineffective, inconsistent policies exacerbate the management issues plaguing these facilities. One major challenge is the shortage of experienced veterinarians and experts to meet the nutritional and medical needs of the animals, which further worsens their conditions.

The Deputy for Natural Environment at Iran’s Department of Environment (DoE) has acknowledged that “no zoo in Iran meets excellent standards or receives high rankings,” and the recurring deaths of animals in these facilities underline the critical state of affairs. Despite efforts by successive governments to improve zoo conditions, little has been achieved, and these chronic problems persist.

The Case of Safadasht Zoo

Safadasht Zoo is a prominent example of this crisis. For years, reports have surfaced about its dire conditions, yet no effective action has been taken. Located in Malard County, 50 kilometers from Tehran, the zoo houses over 800 animals across 100 species, including carnivores, herbivores, reptiles, birds, and aquatic animals. Even rare species such as African giraffes have been kept there. Despite this diversity, the zoo’s conditions have been so critical that between 2019 and 2022, at least 87 animals reportedly died, with the most recent death being a lion cub named Maral.

Political pressures have allowed this zoo to continue operating despite the high mortality rate among its animals. Attempts to shut it down have faced significant obstacles.

Recently, Alireza Sharafi, the director of Safadasht Zoo, reported to the media that the zoo had been sealed off due to illegal occupation, preventing him from entering the premises. Despite this, the animals remain at the zoo and require ongoing care. Peace Mark Monthly Magazine interviewed Sharafi to address some of the zoo’s challenges.

Bearded Dragons Delivered to Safadasht Zoo via Snapp by the Environmental Protection Organization

In an interview with Peace Mark Monthly Magazine, Alireza Sharafi stated:
“Our primary issue as zoo operators is the Environmental Protection Organization. Instead of supporting us, this organization acts as a competitor and views its role as opposing zoos. This behavior seems more like a deflection to avoid criticism of their own shortcomings.”

Sharafi continued:
“While problems may exist, zoos need the support of the Environmental Protection Organization to resolve these issues. However, the organization itself is fraught with challenges.”

He cited an example:
“Recently, the Environmental Protection Organization sent 18 bearded dragons to the zoo via Snapp taxis. These animals required special conditions for transport, but due to improper handling and cold weather, all of them perished.”

A History of Safadasht Zoo

Sharafi described the zoo’s origins:
“Safadasht Zoo was established in 2015. The site was previously a landfill owned by the municipality, which we transformed into a zoo at great expense. Many animals were collected and housed here for the benefit of this underprivileged region.”

The Animal Death Crisis at Safadasht Zoo

Sharafi disputed the reported death toll of 87 animals at the zoo, claiming:
“These figures are inaccurate. While we have had instances of animal deaths, we were not responsible for many of them. Animals we import sometimes die for various reasons. After the zoo became successful, the Safadasht municipality formally declared in an agreement that the property would be transferred to the zoo director. However, it later emerged that the land, valued at 100 billion tomans, was sold for approximately 25 billion tomans—four times below market value—to an individual named Hamidreza Samadi, a partner in major companies like Iran Khodro and Bahman Group.”

Sharafi also highlighted the difficulties of importing animals:
“Every animal that dies has a specific reason. For instance, a tiger we imported from the Netherlands was already sick. European countries often export sick animals or those with genetic problems to third-world countries without providing accurate information to buyers. A white tiger donated to us was also ill.”

He explained the economic pressures of acquiring animals:
“Importing some animals is more economical for us. For instance, we can import animals for $5,000 to $10,000, whereas acquiring animals with top genetics and quality costs at least $50,000, in addition to transportation and medical expenses. In these conditions, where most zoos operate at a loss, such expenses are impractical.”

Sharafi also described unethical practices in African countries:
“In Africa, hunting licenses for animals are issued, but companies use these permits to capture animals alive and export them to other countries. For instance, three giraffes imported to Iran had been captured via helicopter between 18 and 24 months old, which caused injuries.”

Regarding the deaths of zebras, he said:
“These zebras were imported from Bulgaria, but poor customs conditions and the Environmental Protection Organization’s negligence caused severe problems. Despite writing to and requesting help from the organization, they not only failed to assist but also blamed the zoo. The animals were kept in unsuitable conditions at customs for ten days, and by the time they arrived at the zoo, two zebras had died. The third zebra was transferred to Kerman Zoo.”

Management Contradictions and Discrepancies in Reports

Earlier this year, the Deputy for Natural Environment and Biodiversity at the Environmental Protection Organization announced that 25 of Iran’s 70 zoos had been ranked. In Mehr 1403 (October 2024), the Director General of Wildlife Conservation and Management stated that only 44 zoos had been ranked. However, a month later, the head of Tehran’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Department claimed that ranking for all zoos had been completed using 70 criteria.

Some media outlets have reported otherwise, citing incomplete rankings. These contradictions highlight structural problems within the system and underscore the lack of effective policymaking and enforcement. This disarray has perpetuated the dire conditions in zoos, leading to increased animal mortality and declining living standards.

Environmental Protection or Grounds for Corruption?

Iran’s environmental sector suffers from numerous issues, yet officials in this field focus solely on government policies without addressing systemic problems. For example, excessive dam construction—detrimental to the environment—has been contested by the Environmental Protection Organization only in a few cases, despite clear evidence of ecological harm.

A recent report by the Parliament’s Research Center, titled “Procedures and Examples of Corruption in Environmental Sectors”, explicitly identified the organizational conflicts of interest and described the Environmental Protection Organization as riddled with corruption.

The report stated:
“Corruption is a destructive and deadly phenomenon that severely threatens social structures at all levels. Combating corruption has become a major concern for all countries and international organizations. Corruption is considered a key factor in environmental degradation in Iran. Organizational conflicts of interest, discrepancies between revenue and responsibilities, dual employment, ethnic and preferential motivations, and informational or financial favoritism are among the systemic corruption mechanisms in Iran’s environmental sector.”

The corruption extends to granting private zoo permits to affluent individuals for exorbitant fees, resulting in the indiscriminate killing of animals.

Systemic Issues and Their Adverse Effects on Animals

Iran’s zoos face multiple crises, including high animal mortality rates, malnutrition, inadequate environmental standards, and issues related to animal trafficking. These problems have transformed zoos into inhumane and distressing environments for animals, as viewed by animal rights advocates.

1. Insufficient Nutrition and Substandard Cages

Proper nutrition is critical to maintaining animals’ health in captivity. In many Iranian zoos, animals suffer from malnutrition due to inadequate resources and poorly designed feeding programs. At Safadasht Zoo, for instance, some animals have reportedly been provided with insufficient and inappropriate diets.

Many cages in Iranian zoos are small, non-standard, and unsuitable for the natural needs of the animals. Wild animals require spacious, simulated natural environments to exhibit normal behaviors. Instead, many cages are so confined that animals are forced to spend long hours in cramped spaces without movement, resulting in stress, depression, and even aggression.

2. Poor Sanitation and Disease Outbreaks

Poor hygiene is a major issue in Iranian zoos. The lack of proper sanitation and waste management leads to the spread of diseases among animals. Zoos should have regular veterinary oversight, but many facilities lack the necessary resources for adequate health and treatment programs. This deficiency causes infectious diseases to spread rapidly, resulting in mass animal deaths.

3. Animal Trafficking and Other Threats

Illegal wildlife trafficking is another challenge facing Iranian zoos. Some facilities unlawfully acquire rare and endangered animals from the black market, but due to their inability to meet the animals’ needs, their lives are put at serious risk. This not only harms the animals but also threatens Iran’s natural ecosystems.

Recommendations and Solutions

Addressing the current crisis requires immediate and sustainable action from both the Environmental Protection Organization and zoo managers. Some proposed solutions include:

• Structural Reforms and Transparent Policies: Clear and comprehensive policies should be developed to improve zoo conditions, with standardized criteria for their management and assessment. Contradictory statements and inconsistent reports should be avoided.
• Adequate Funding and Skilled Personnel: The government should allocate sufficient funds to meet the needs of animals and ensure better care. Hiring experienced veterinarians and trained staff is essential to implement proper feeding and treatment programs.
• Reconstruction of Enclosures and Habitat Improvement: Cages and animal habitats should be redesigned and rebuilt to meet international standards, providing more natural and comfortable living conditions.
• Stricter Laws Against Trafficking: The government must enact and enforce stricter laws to combat animal trafficking and the illegal importation of animals into zoos.
• Public Education and Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about animal rights and the poor conditions in zoos can generate social pressure to hold authorities accountable and push for improvements.

Conclusion

The conditions in Iran’s zoos highlight an environmental and management crisis requiring immediate attention. Despite the many challenges and crises, it is crucial to take supportive and regulatory actions to protect animal rights and provide them with safe and suitable environments.

Zoos should not only serve as places to house and protect animals but also function as educational and research centers to familiarize the public with animal species and promote the conservation of ecosystems.

Footnote:

1. “Procedures and Examples of Corruption in Environmental Sectors,” Parliament Research Center, November 20, 2023 (29 Aban 1402).