We Demand That the Zoo Not Be Turned into a Lawn. Employees Hold Protest Again

“Our demand is that the zoo not be turned into a lawn; we want to see animals here, not cafes or carousels,” said one of the zoo employees during a protest today while speaking with reporters. “People wanted to do good things, bring animals, but that is not happening now. We want to work peacefully. We will await the mayor's clarification for a week. In any case, I don't believe they are coming to do good things; if they were doing good, why haven't they done anything in the 8 years of their governance?” said another employee.

A former zoo employee also told reporters that Arevik Mkrtchyan had previously worked at the zoo and was later dismissed. “The court ruled that the decision to dismiss her was justified. She has no connection with the animals. She represented the zoo's international relations. During her years of service, the international relations brought no benefit to the zoo, only harm, as numerous inappropriate animal exchanges were conducted based on those international relationships. There is a criminal case that has been under investigation for 3 years, and there is no movement. Since a public council has been formed, it must officially have participation in the appointments. We demand that with the public council, we form a small group to meet and clarify the basis for her appointment. According to reports, she has sponsorship from the current government; I won’t name names today.”

It should be noted that the zoo employees are against the appointment of Arevik Mkrtchyan as the new interim director of the zoo.