Zoos can be considered places that preserve part of the natural heritage and wildlife. However, in countries like Iran, numerous challenges surround the standards of animal care and the operation of such facilities. Issues such as inadequate space, insufficient resources, mismanagement, and lack of proper oversight have led to the neglect of animal rights in zoos, putting their lives and psychological well-being at risk.

This prompted Peace Mark Monthly Magazine to interview Dr. Mahdieh Jafari, who holds a PhD in Natural Resources and is a former expert with the Department of Environment. In this conversation, Dr. Jafari, an environmental activist and animal welfare advocate, discussed the main problems facing zoos in Iran, underscoring the importance of compassionate management and raising public awareness about appropriate interactions with animals.

The full interview is presented below.

Do the conditions in Iran’s zoos comply with international standards? What is the current situation?

No, they do not comply. Even wildlife veterinarians have repeatedly acknowledged that such standards do not exist or are not implemented in Iran. The primary reason is the lack of adequate space and facilities necessary to ensure animal welfare and standard care. The high costs and the lack of available resources make this impossible to achieve.

Have any measures been taken to improve this situation?

Some actions have been taken in specific cases, such as in Eram Zoo. These measures have somewhat improved the conditions of the animals there compared to other places. However, it depends on the revenue generated by the zoo since this income is ultimately spent on the animals and their upkeep. The lower the income, the fewer the resources available. This also hinges on the vision of the zoo’s management. In some cities, conditions might improve during one managerial tenure, only to deteriorate under another manager with different priorities.

Despite widespread protests from environmental activists, why do many zoos in the country still fail to meet global standards?

As mentioned earlier, the main issues are financial constraints and managerial attitudes. But fundamentally, we need to address some essential questions. Experts, managers, and those involved in this field must answer these questions. One such question is: Why do we even need zoos?

In many countries, there is an ongoing debate about whether zoos should exist at all, with the argument that no animals should be kept in captivity unless under exceptional circumstances, such as when an animal requires rehabilitation. Globally, animal rights advocates are pushing for the complete closure of zoos because, not only in Iran but worldwide, zoos often fail to provide suitable conditions for animals.

Superficially, animals in zoos may seem well-off. However, for example, in Denmark, newborn giraffes are culled due to lack of space for their care, which goes against animal rights principles. Additionally, strict regulations govern the transportation or international transit of animals, making it difficult to sell zoo-born animals to other zoos or facilities.

In Iran, the situation is even worse. There is insufficient space for keeping animals, and visitors often behave inappropriately towards them. Moreover, there is a lack of decisive management to supervise and address these issues effectively. Unfortunately, inappropriate behaviors like feeding zoo animals are common in Iran. Such behaviors, along with other issues related to public visits, harm the animals.

Which entity is primarily responsible for overseeing this matter?

Most animals in zoos belong to the wildlife category. Occasionally, domestic animals are also seen in some zoos. Oversight of this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment.

Reports of mistreatment or suspicious deaths of animals in Iranian zoos have surfaced. Why is there often no transparency or legal action in such cases?

In some cases, such as Eram Zoo—which is state-run—conditions are different. But in other cases, management has been outsourced to private contractors who may lack the interest or commitment to address problems, or perhaps do not prioritize the well-being of animals. These issues are rarely prioritized in legal or administrative follow-ups. For instance, problems occasionally occurring in bird parks are never pursued, reflecting a disregard for the value of animal life.

You mentioned that Eram Zoo is state-run. Is privatization of zoos fundamentally a good idea?

It depends. If the private sector is willing to allocate sufficient resources, then yes. However, legally, oversight and related responsibilities must remain with government bodies. For example, in the Barajin Nature Village in Qazvin Province, some animals belonging to Iran’s wildlife are housed. In a specific instance, a bear cub found abandoned in the wild was taken in to save it from death. Since these animals are considered assets of the private sector managing the area, they typically receive better care.

Do you think individual efforts are more significant than legal frameworks in such cases?

Management plays a critical role. A compassionate manager who prioritizes animal welfare and health is crucial. In captivity, animals should live longer than in the wild. In biology, for instance, the natural lifespan of a bear is a specific number, but in captivity, this number should increase because the risks faced in the wild do not exist in captivity.

Animal welfare must also be ensured in captivity. They should have good and suitable food, and their enclosures should be appropriate in terms of light, sound, temperature, and other conditions. If animals are kept in such conditions and fall ill, they can be treated promptly by a veterinarian, extending their lifespan. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Iranian zoos, where animals often have shorter lifespans than in the wild.

What is the state of veterinary care in Iranian zoos? Are enough wildlife veterinarians available?

When discussing zoos, we are essentially talking about wildlife. Therefore, general veterinarians or even some other specialists cannot fully address the associated issues. Wildlife veterinarians are essential for this purpose. Unfortunately, their numbers in Iran are very limited.

You mentioned visitors feeding zoo animals. How can this be prevented?

When someone enters a zoo, they should behave appropriately, just as they would when entering someone’s home. This includes refraining from making noise, feeding animals, or throwing trash at them. Enclosures should also be designed to prevent visitors from accessing animal areas. Eram Zoo has made some progress in this regard, but unfortunately, most other zoos still lack such measures.

Previously, animals were kept in some parks, but this practice has been discontinued. Parks are busy places, and the presence of animals creates problems for both the animals and the public. This issue existed in parks like Saei Park and Park-e Shahr in Tehran. While the situation has improved, and the number of animals has been reduced, with their presence now limited to enclosures, standards are still not met. For example, visitors easily feed animals moldy, dried bread, disregarding regulations. In summer, ducks in these parks also create a distinctive odor in the area.

Given concerns about animal rights, are there programs to raise public awareness and reduce the use of animals in shows and entertainment?

Entertainment involving animals often stems from local customs and traditions. For example, “Varzajang” (bullfighting) in northern Iran and dogfights are examples. These are mainly gambling activities, where bets are placed on the animals.

Varzajang has declined due to the rising cost of bulls, but dogfighting is still observed in some areas. Law enforcement has issued directives to arrest organizers upon detection, and penalties are in place for such activities.

Regarding circuses, there are almost no active circuses in Iran anymore. For instance, Khalil Aghab Circus has shut down, and no new circuses have emerged in recent years.

What legal measures exist to address abuse or mistreatment of animals in zoos?

I prefer not to use the term “abuse” and instead focus on mismanagement. Zoos generally avoid overtly abusive behaviors like hitting or physically harming animals because they do not want the animals to suffer. However, mismanagement is prevalent.

For example, an animal’s enclosure might be designed in such a way that the animal could fall and injure itself, ingest garbage, or suffer from psychological issues due to poor conditions. If an enclosure is not suitable and does not meet standards, the animal might experience depression or exhibit violent behavior.

Such mismanagement is more common with carnivorous animals. The higher an animal’s reliance on meat, the greater the cost of its care. For example, feeding parrots or other birds is relatively inexpensive, but problems arise when animals require a meat-based diet.

Carnivorous animals must consume high-quality meat—free of excessive fat and bones—and some animals require specific diets, such as mice. In Iran, mice used for this purpose are usually laboratory-raised in appropriate environments and are healthy, but they are costly. In captivity, these animals need to be monitored because they lack natural activities like searching for food, finding mates, or roaming their habitats. As a result, issues such as high cholesterol may arise. Unfortunately, in many cases, monitoring is insufficient, and problems are only noticed when it is too late.

Besides diet, enclosure design and maintenance are also critical. Viral videos often show unsuitable environments for animals.

Yes, this issue is more prevalent in provincial zoos where oversight is weaker. Visitor numbers may also be lower compared to larger cities. This largely depends on the sensitivity of visitors. Some provinces may not have visitors as concerned about these issues as those in Tehran or other major cities. For instance, someone might visit a provincial zoo, film the conditions, and report them. However, thousands of others may have visited before and remained indifferent.

Do Iranian zoos have educational programs to inform visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and appropriate behavior in zoos?

Such awareness programs are generally absent. Occasionally, during busy periods, volunteers or zoo staff may intervene and provide information to visitors. Normally, however, the only available resources are signs describing the animals’ characteristics, habitats, lifestyles, reproduction, and diets. These serve as the animals’ profiles, displayed on-site.

Many people lack strong visual learning skills, so auditory explanations or a staff member available to answer questions would be more effective. This approach could significantly enhance visitors’ understanding. However, it is unrealistic to expect all visitors to read and absorb the information provided on signs. Many people are unfamiliar with terms like “habitat,” reflecting the low level of environmental awareness in this area.

If a visitor wants to file a complaint about conditions, is there a way to do so?

Yes, they can submit complaints to the zoo’s management. There are systems for feedback and suggestions. However, sometimes management is unavailable, particularly on holidays like Thursdays or Fridays, when only on-duty staff are present.

Unfortunately, many people do not follow the proper channels for complaints and follow-ups. Instead, they might vent their frustration with profane language on-site or complain casually to friends, but they do not pursue the issue formally.

Do you think educational initiatives are needed in this area?

Absolutely. One of my aspirations is for there to be no zoos or, if they exist, for them to only house animals that cannot return to their natural habitats due to injuries. Zoos could also serve as research centers, offering valuable insights into animal behavior and contributing to our knowledge.

In countries outside Iran, zoos not only display animals but also play an educational role. Each group of visitors is assigned a guide who provides valuable information about the animals. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Iran.

Do Iranian zoos have programs for conserving endangered species, or are they solely focused on displaying animals?

Endangered species should generally not be kept in captivity, except in special cases like the cheetah, which requires specialized assessments. Overall, keeping such animals in zoos is not recommended.

Do you think zoos in Iran still have educational and conservation value, or have they become places where animals are harmed and entertainment is irresponsible?

Unfortunately, in many cases, zoos have become places where animals are harmed rather than centers for education. If zoo managers receive proper training before assuming their roles, conditions would improve. In my opinion, the key to improving Iran’s zoos lies in enhancing scientific and technical expertise and ensuring adequate financial support.

If Iranian zoos cannot meet global standards, wouldn’t it be better to establish wildlife sanctuaries or biological refuges instead?

Constructing artificial habitats is not the right solution. Instead, we should focus on preserving natural habitats. In some countries, artificial habitats are created for species whose natural habitats have been destroyed. However, protecting the remaining fragments of natural habitats is a better approach.

When a habitat is lost, the animals dependent on it also vanish. For example, in Shiraz, certain dragonfly species disappeared due to urban development. Often, we are unaware of such extinctions until it is too late. For larger animals, the problem becomes evident sooner, but for smaller species, it is more challenging to detect unless the area is continuously monitored.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I urge citizens to treat zoos as the animals’ homes and show respect while visiting. Animals in captivity are already under considerable stress. Teach children not to throw trash or food at animals. Zoo animals are not hungry, as their diets are carefully managed.

Moreover, public visits contribute to the financial maintenance of zoos. During closures, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, zoos faced significant financial difficulties. Therefore, responsible public attendance and increased awareness can play a crucial role in improving conditions for these animals.

Thank you for speaking with Peace Mark Monthly Magazine.