Tiger Ambassadors
The Baghdad Zoo, left in ruin after bombing in 2003, is now a happy oasis for Iraqi families to experience some sense of normalcy. The US government helped rebuild and repopulate the zoo. Top of the wish list? A pair of tigers. The Department of State asked the Conservators' Center to assist. After ensuring the area is secure, the enclosure is appropriate, the staff is well trained, and the food sources are reliable, the Center agreed to join the unusual mission. They located two young, well-socialized tigers, Hope and Riley, who lived at the Center for a few months prior to their long journey. The tigers, now on permanent loan to the Baghdad Zoo, are happy and healthy in their new environment. Their story was reported nationally and internationally. The Center plans to maintain a long-term partnership with the zoo and to provide educational programs to people in both countries. 12/15/08
Hope & Riley Arrive Safely
The Flying Tigers arrive safely at the Baghdad Zoo:
Two of Conservators' Center's tigers, Hope and Riley, have completed their long journey to the Baghdad Zoo safely. They entered their new home with excitement and curiosity. We will be updating this page regularly with more information about their new lives over in Iraq. They will be deeply missed at the Center, but we know that they will have the time of their lives being the center of attention over at the Baghdad Zoo.
More of the Story...
The Flying Tigers
On August 2, 2008, Doug and Mindy boarded a plane with two young tigers, headed for Baghdad, Iraq. The tigers, Hope and Riley, about a year old, are a gift from Conservators’ Center and the U.S. Government to the Baghdad Zoo and the people of Iraq.
The US Army, Civil Affairs has been working for several years and has invested millions of dollars to repair the zoo, which was seriously damaged and looted in 2003, during the war. They felt that it was important for the people to have a place to relax and feel that life was becoming normal again. The zoo is part of the Al Zawra Park, located in a protected civilian part of Baghdad. When space was ready for large cats, the Army contacted the State Department to locate two tigers. Based on our experience, they asked us to provide the tigers.
The cubs have a beautiful enclosure, as you will soon see. They even have a private pond. There are more than a dozen veterinarians on staff, and they even have consulting services from North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
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Check out Hope & Riley's first photos from Iraq...
Read some of the recent news articles about Hope and Riley at the Bagdad Zoo: