Video: The Deputy Director Appointed as Acting Director of the Zoo

The Deputy Mayor of Yerevan, Tigran Virabyan, has introduced the staff of the Zoo to Vladimir Simonian, who has been appointed as the Acting Director. Simonian previously held the position of Deputy Director of the Zoo. This information was reported by the Yerevan City Hall.

The Deputy Mayor reminded that Ruben Khachatryan had submitted his resignation to the Mayor several weeks earlier.

“Once again, I want to express gratitude to the former director, Mr. Khachatryan, for his extensive work over the years, which involved the staff as well. I also want to emphasize that he will continue to support the Zoo with his professional experience. It is important that the Acting Director is from this staff and is somewhat aware of the Zoo's issues. We also trust that specialists will provide support so that there are no new problems during this transitional period,” stated Tigran Virabyan, assuring that the Zoo will continue along the same path.

At the same time, the Deputy Mayor highlighted that the Zoo currently has a number of urgent issues that must be resolved next year, particularly regarding the fencing of the area and ensuring the safety of the Zoo.

The health insurance of the Zoo's employees is also on the agenda of the City Hall.

“Changes are a necessity of time, but this does not mean that drastic changes are expected among employees. Only people involved in animal trading or with other interests cannot be here,” emphasized Tigran Virabyan.

Acting Director Vladimir Simonian expressed gratitude for the trust and stated that he will invest his management experience into the development of the Zoo.

After the meeting, Tigran Virabyan held a separate consultation with the management team. It was informed that a specialized working group has been formed to support more efficient organization of the Zoo's activities.

It was also mentioned that a veterinarian from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iman Memarian, has been invited to Armenia and, after processing documentation and obtaining Armenian citizenship, will take up the position of Deputy Director. He previously led the Tehran Zoo for many years. Memarian has extensive work experience in collaboration with various international zoological organizations.