IRAQ: A trip to the Baghdad Zoo

Each day, my wife passes the Baghdad Zoo on her way to work. When the weather is nice, crowds of people are there, so a few days ago, she suggested we take our 20-month-old daughter for a visit.

The last time I had visited the zoo was 15 years ago, when my sister, brother and I begged our mother to take us there so we could see a real live lion. When we finally saw the zoo's only lion, we could not believe how skinny it was. We didn't think this was a real lion from Africa. We thought our mother was trying to trick us.

So on a recent afternoon, my wife, our daughter and I went. I was curious to see how it had changed.

The tickets were cheap — about 25 cents per person. Like father, like daughter: my toddler asked first to see the lion.

The zoo was not very crowded, because most Iraqis were out of town for a religious celebration. But as with most places in Baghdad, the zoo was full of police searching people for weapons or bombs. They even searched children and women's handbags.

We wandered around, looking at the bears, birds, antelopes, foxes, cheetahs and other creatures. Because it was late in the afternoon, most of the animals were snoozing.

The enclosures were better than I had expected, and many of the animals had company in their cages. But some, such as a little fox, were alone and looked sad.

After about half an hour of wandering, we still had not seen a lion. We asked a zoo worker where we could find one. "Are you kidding?" he said. "We have 22 lions!" Then he pointed toward the lion enclosure, which is not a cage but a large area surrounded by a moat and two fences.

My little girl was thrilled to see them. The zoo worker told us that U.S. forces, which have worked to rehabilitate the zoo, return every week or so and deliver half a ton of meat for the lions. But he said the lions were always hungry, so the zoo keeps a supply of donkeys on hand to serve as extra meat for the big cats.

We had a great trip. I never imagined we would find a nice place to visit just 15 minutes from my house, and we've decided to go back there every once in a while. Although the zoo is not great compared with zoos in other parts of the world, it is much better than it was on my last visit 15 years ago.

— Saif Rasheed in Baghdad

Photos: Saif Rasheed.

Comments

[Levi]

People should be behind cages. Acting like animals fighting among one another. Sad.
Levi
free2joinow.com

[soldier]

Nice article. This is my second go around in Iraq and the zoo is my area that i foot patrol for 6 hours everyday and night. as well as the markets, bus station, ect. last tour all i did was kick in doors, detain people and get blown up daily. ive been here on this tour for 4 months now and havent seen a lick of any of that i had last tour. there is improvement in iraq, starting at its heart. i recently escorted my commander through the zoo and it was the most at home and peacefull ive felt in a while. if you dont know what youre talking about or havent been here to tell about it, you have no opinion. you want to know what its about?? join the armed forces and give your fellow countrymen a break from multiple tours in iraq. some of us are going on 4 tours. but sorry to use this as a rant. nice article and go to the zoo if you get a chance, its an oasis in the middle of a crap hole.

[Abu Lujain]

Very Nice Story Abu Sara,

I wish we could do this trip together; I have visited this park last November and it is better than before. More Animals, more Artif. lakes, cleaner and more games.

Thanx for this nice story Saif; we need to show the people that Iraq is not a country of killing only.

we will do it together next time my friend

[Steve N]

What is very strange and bizarre are those folks posting here who claim we have to "win" in Iraq. Win? There is nothing to "win". This is an occupation. Not a "war". The American forces are just trying to impose control on Iraq through a puppet "government" on the other side of the globe.

Through a combination of force, and bribery, to competing sides (giving money and guns to Sunnis, Shites and Kurds and others) the US thinks that they can win the PR war and keep us in Iraq for decades to come. They have brainwashed some people into believing that "progress" is happening in Iraq. Just like they did with WMD before this all started. But most people aren't buying it anymore.

And who pays for all of this arming and bribery in Iraq? We average citizens do. While many of us can't afford the basics of life.

The most stupid comments come from those who claim that if we weren't occupying Iraq, that Muslims would then come to the United States and take us over. Does anyone actually believe anything this idiotic? Is there anyone dumb enough to truly believe that if we leave Iraq that Arabs will then conquer America?

Anyone who truly believes this nonsense needs to come see me: I have a great deal on a big bridge for a gullible sucker like you.

[Ali]

hehe, last time I visited this zoo was about 7 years before the war, and it was miserable, all animals looked sad except the lion, and the bear was stuffed into small cage, the monkies were surrounded by dirt and kids threw Orange covers at them, one monkey was standing in the window wondering turning his back to us. but even the lion was used to getting hauled with stones from kids . I'm glad to hear the zoo is not much better after Saddam has gone. hopefully things will be better.

[pres32ley]

All this is great that we get to see some of the animals. however, these animals do not look all that happy. I mean where are the trees, grass, and anything they would have in their natural habitat. they need room to roam and explore. Those cages look way to small.

[Greg]

I also read where the Baghdad Aquarioum is coming on line. So are some of the Museums. In 2004 there was a Sergeant who was working in getting the Arabian Horses back and on display. I do not know what had happened to that program for it was with pure Arabian Horses that were apparently descindent of some famous lines. Perahps that might be worth an article or two?

[Levi]

I love it in America. It's the only place in the world where I've had the opportunity to work from home and from the internet. God Bless You America!!
Levi
levimanners.com

[spoonido]

The war costs Americans $12,000,000,000 per month, but the zoo costs only 25 cents to get in? I'd say the zoo is a better deal.

[Jose]

well, that's de USA way, take lovely care of animals and oil except humans beings. that is plain and pure hipocrasy, yes I believe USA is not interested in IRAQ oil....while pushing hard to get those oil contracts from IRAQ

[Mike]

I lived and worked in Iraq for almost two years. When I was there, violence was a daily occurrence. Security was only a dream. I am glad to see things are beginning to improve.

The entire nation of Iraq has suffered tremendously since our invasion. This includes animals and people. If conditions are starting to improve, that is great! We can't just run out on the Iraqi people. We toppled a tyrant and gave the Iraqis their freedom, but we stirred up a mess there. Now, like it or not we have an obligation to set things right. Hooray for the Baghdad Zoo! If only we could do more to help the Iraqi people.

[James Benoit]

I spent a year in Iraq. 2006-2007, I love the Iraqi People and the culture. I was assigned to several Army Units, I had a unique job. Yes, their was a great deal of carnage. At no time while I was assigned to the Army units did I see an Iraqi national abused. I am witness of the great risk our troops took to protect the Iraqi's. So to the bloggers such as Kit & the Realist I can bet a weeks pay that you have never been to this part of the world. You have no clue what it is about. And know this you could never have sent a blog or email during Saddams rule in Iraq.

This is a story about a family and a Zoo in Iraq.(This is not about carnage and our troops kicking in doors) I loved the report on the Zoo and it kinda brought tears to my eyes. I would go back to Iraq or anywhere in the world where I could help an oppressed people. To my Iraqi brothers from another mother, I say go to the Zoo and have a nice day with your family.

March 9,2008 JB.....

[Wake Up]

I spent 2 1/2 years in Iraq. Most of you have no idea where Iraq is or what the country is like or the people are like, except for what you hear in the news. I made many friends with Iraqi people, even married a beautiful woman I met there. Through my friends and my wife, I have learned a lot about what is going on in that country. You, most of you, have no idea of what you speak about. Just repeat the crap you hear others say. Let me tell you one thing and don't ever forget it. If we do not win the war in Iraq, you better purchase a prayer rug, a copy of the Koran, and learn where Mecca is. The stated goal of the extremists and terrorists is to convert you or kill you. They prove every day that they are willing to die for what they believe in. Are you? If not, they win! It is ugly, horrible, and thousands are suffering to stop this. Wake up and smell the roses. This is not and never was about oil. Iraq produces less oil today than it did in the time of Saddam. Oh, one last thing....We found the killed the worst WMD to come out of Iraq, Saddam. He murdered 10's of thousands and if that is not a WMD, what is? You better pray that whoever is in the White House next understands what I am telling you and stays the course and wins this horrible war. To all you service men and women, and their families....all I can say is Thank You.

[SGT A. Ronquillo]

I spent many nights in that tower behind the camel and watching and patrolling through that zoo. It was and still is a very comforting place for me. Even though it isnt the best zoo in the world or even close it has stedily improved and always provided me with a few minutes of forgetting about being homesick.

[rbdodson]

I am hoping that peace will exist in this country soon.I hoping that the whole world will be peaceful.The Almighty God can do where human failed miserably.Please take a moment to ask God to gives us peace.If all of us will pray I am sure He will speed up the help.Thank you for sharing an uplifting story.

[Geotge T]

Mark D; 3/3/08

Israel was a nation long before you, or I, were even thought of; and Bush is pushing them to give up THEIR land 'for the sake of peace'. Yea, right; Scripture says there can NEVER be peace between Israel and her arch enemies, the Arabs, as a whole!!! Scripture, also, says that any who coerce Israel to give up THEIR land, will face HIS wrath! Like it-or not-WE are in for BIG trouble, folks; and sooner than any of you can know!!! Everything works out in HIS time-not ours!!!

If you even think otherwise; please SHOW ME!!!!

[romom]

I'm glad to see this kind of story... most of the media only wants us to see the bad side of Iraq. And I will concede that there is definitely a bad side to the situation over there. HOWEVER, my sons (yes, plural) have served there with the US military several times each, and I tend to believe their assessment of what's happening there than that of folks who sit behind their computers and gripe about things. And their assessment is.... things are getting better there. There are areas where people can move safely today that haven't been safe in a long time. I do think the Iraqi's need to step up to the plate and figure out how to make theirs an independently functioning country, but until they figure that out..... if you haven't actually had boots in the sand, I really don't put a whole lot of importance on what you have to say about "what is really happening there."

[olmalinda]

Saif! I just loved your article and the pictures. It is very nice and refreshing and made me think of the days my dad took me to our own local zoo. Those were magical moments for me as a child and still linger in my mind.
Its great knowing that animals are being taken care of, despite all the sufferings and violence in that part of the world. May God bless Irak and may peace and prosperity soon return to all of them. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

[Justin]

For the residents of Iraq that complain about this story and about the occupation. The lesson is, stand up for yourselves, bond together and reject dictatorship. If you had been able to do this 30 years ago, you would not be in this situation. Any country worth a damn will liberate themselves from corruption. Its what the American's did, its what the French did, its what YOU should have done. The people united are always stronger then any government. If you feel you are being mistreated, get your act together, unify your government and make us leave. I dont like seeing my countrymen dying due to your lack of organization.

[Matt Orion]

Whose the llama endorsing mccain in here? John mccain represents the same old and evil thinking that got us into this mess.Your msg is proof you cant talk to conservatives because they refuse to accept that the world wants to improve itself or is in itself "good" they think only the elitist see this and its not true, everyone see's it. Just like everyone saw us invade a country where people still use rickshaw's and old toyota's to get around, instead of protecting civilian lives or museums in iraq we guarded oil refineries and banks and let the bombs fall over Bahgdad, America is deciding whether we want to stay true to our way of life or not, electing a prez whose endorsed and in bed w/bush is not the way forward -Hillary or Obama 08!!!!!!!!!!!!