Animals are bred at Baku Zoo and handed over to reserves.
The Deputy Executive Director of the Zoo, Azer Huseynov, provided information on this matter in a statement to Modern.az.
He clarified that there are no unusual animals like pandas at Baku Zoo. He stated that pandas are not sold because they are considered China's national property.
"It is not possible to acquire this animal easily. It can only be leased. An annual lease fee of approximately 500,000 – 1,000,000 US dollars is required for each panda. This amount is calculated based on a 10-year contract. Their feeding is also carried out with bamboo, with the approval of Chinese specialists.
For example, Moscow Zoo has a panda. Our zoo leasing a panda is possible with the decision of higher authorities".
According to A. Huseynov, animals listed in the "Red Book" such as noble deer, swans, pelicans, ruddy shelducks, and gazelles are kept at Baku Zoo.
"When animal populations become numerous, they are released into nature. We have handed over the offspring of rare animals to the Karabakh and Zagatala reserves. We take care of them. There is no danger of decline. Due to breeding, we even lack sufficient space. We have cooperation with Shamakhi Safari Park in animal exchange".
The zoo official stated that the food supply for the animals is provided at a high level. Official cooperation has been established through tenders with slaughterhouses that comply with hygienic conditions:
"The zoo is engaged in breeding endangered animals and returning them to nature. We also aim to familiarize and educate people about nature.
We have cooperation with Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, India, Ukraine, Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, and Israel.
At Baku Zoo, it is possible for animals from various continents to live by adapting to the climate in Azerbaijan. The Amur tiger's habitat is the North Pole. We feed them normally here".
