Isfahan Zoo

Isfahan Zoo, officially known as Isfahan Wildlife Park (Persian: پارک آمورشی حیات وحش) and also referred to as Soffeh Zoo (Persian: باغ وحش صفه), is a zoological facility located within the Mount Soffeh park in Isfahan, Iran. Operated by the Isfahan Municipality, the zoo has been the subject of significant controversy due to documented issues concerning animal welfare and conditions.

Animal Population and Conditions

As of the year 1399 (corresponding to the Iranian calendar year, roughly 2020-2021), Isfahan Zoo housed approximately 318 rescue animals and 3 cloned animals, representing a total of 36 different species. Reports have highlighted that many of these animals were kept in confined spaces, often within cell-like enclosures measuring only 2 meters. The zoo has faced severe criticism for alleged animal cruelty, with instances of animals suffering from extreme heat due to poor air ventilation, as reported in August 2024.

Closures and Future Proposals

In response to the ongoing concerns and the broader impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Isfahan Zoo was closed and repurposed as an animal nursing facility for a full year starting in 2020. The city council had previously attempted to close the zoo down in 2020. More recently, proposals have been put forth suggesting the permanent closure of the zoo and the development of a new safari park in the East Park of Isfahan. This initiative is intended to generate revenue for the city's tourism sector.

The zoo's operations are supervised by the department of environment, but it has been noted that the facility lacks adequate green space, further contributing to the criticisms regarding animal living conditions. The lack of environmental enrichment and the reported poor conditions have led to calls for reform and the consideration of alternative approaches to wildlife display and conservation in the region.