This Bag Was Found in the Zoo's Ungulate Section: Arevik Mkrtchyan

The acting director of the Yerevan Zoo, Arevik Mkrtchyan, wrote on her Facebook page: “This bag was found in the Zoo's ungulate section, near the swimming pool of the camel and Turkmen kulan enclosure. The contents were entirely rat poison, which our veterinarians identified on the spot. Rat poison was probably attempted to be poured into the pool from which the Zoo's only camel and two kulan drink. Thanks to the vigilance of the employees, we managed to prevent the planned poisoning of another animal, aimed at discrediting and accusing the new management.

It’s notable that the practice of poisoning animals has been in place at the zoo since the Soviet era, and such incidents arise from the day a new director is appointed. Law enforcement bodies are also well aware of this situation. The recent rumors circulating around the Zoo and the organized protests are a continuation of all this.

I understand that some people have lost the opportunity to make illegal profits at the Zoo’s expense. We have severed that illegal chain, which has led to nervous breakdowns in certain circles. I regret, friends, that to achieve your unfair and easy money-making goals, you are willing to resort to the most despicable actions, endangering innocent animals. I also regret that you view these animals merely as a way to earn money. You will no longer have that opportunity.

P.S. - On the day of the incident, I contacted law enforcement in the Republic of Armenia to initiate a criminal case.”