More than 1.2 million Iraqi citizens passed through the gates of Zawra Park in northwest Baghdad’s Karkh district as they gathered with friends and family to celebrate the Eid al-Adha Dec. 8-11.

This is a time of year when many families come together; and this year, those families chose to spend time together by visiting the park or touring the Baghdad Zoo to take in many of the recently opened exhibits.

Dr. Adel Salman Mosa, the zoo’s director, expressed his happiness and excitement over the size of the crowds during the past week.

“During the Eid celebration in Zawra Zoo, the new reptile exhibit was what most people were interested in seeing,” said Adel. “Everyone loved the newly added crocodiles, chimpanzees, snakes and tortoise exhibits.”

“The task to ensure that the Iraqi experience in the park and zoo was a safe one required the combined planning and execution efforts of numerous agencies,” said Capt. Michael Roscoe, Iraqi Security Forces coordinator, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, operationally attached to the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division –Baghdad. “Col. Geaber Nema Shnawa, the Zawra Park security director, was just one of several leading figures in this critical effort.”

Roscoe said the leaders of the 54th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, several local Iraqi Police stations and the Zawra Park’s 160 facilities protection service officers, all contributed to this highly successful venture.

As the crowds grew with each passing day, each of the security agencies ensured their people were ready to support the task at hand..

“It was checking and searching people one by one that created such a safe environment during the Eid celebration,” said Geaber. “Also, my guards were able to pass out gifts and candy to children, who came to the event, and if they needed a ride home, we were able to provide them with taxi fare.”

The five-day Eid celebration in the park marks the third in a series of highly successful events hosted in Zawra Park in the past four months,” said Maj. Ryan Remley, executive officer, 4th Bn. 42nd FA Regt.

Almost two million Iraqis visited the Park as part of the post-Ramadan celebration in late September, while in mid-November, local citizens gathered in the park to celebrate “Baghdad Days” and enjoyed a free concert.

“Each of these gatherings has not had a single reportable incident and demonstrates the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces to secure these large-scale events,” said Remley. “These highly successful events are just one more sign that normalcy is returning to the capital city.”

MNF-I

Photographer: Sgt. James Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

Life at Baghdad Zoo Returning to Normal With Stable Security

In December 2007, the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad, began working with the Baghdad zoo and contacts in the United States to foster a partnership that would bring two new tigers to the zoo.

After much communication with different organizations, Lt. Col. Robert Sindler, a veterinarian with Multi National Corps – Iraq and Capt. Jason Felix, the project manager for 2nd BSTB, found the Conservators’ Center of North Carolina.

The Conservators’ Center is a nonprofit educational wildlife organization that preserves threatened species through responsible captive breeding, helps rescue and place wildlife in need and offers resources for educators and scientists.

The center had two bengal cubs, Hope and Riley, who were taken in after the zoo they lived in closed in 2007.

The Baghdad zoo passed intense scrutiny by the Conservators’ Center, which initially expressed concern over the safety and welfare of the tigers. However, they recognized the tigers would be in a safe environment where they would be highly appreciated and bring enjoyment to the people of Iraq. The center decided to donate Hope and Riley to the people of Iraq with the approval of the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife to export the tigers.

After months of work, the tigers arrived in Baghdad, Aug. 4, 2008, and were welcomed by U.S. Army veterinarians and the Soldiers of the 2nd BSTB.

The tigers were unveiled to the public at the Baghdad zoo, Aug. 8, 2008.

Hope and Riley were in playful form as the cameras snapped and Iraqi families walked by, enjoying the sight of Baghdad’s newest residents. They are one more attraction that will bring visitors flocking to the peaceful environment of the zoo, proving once more that security is continually progressing throughout Iraq.

“I think the zoo’s progress, culminating in today’s arrival of the two tigers, exemplifies that there is significant good news coming out of Baghdad as life continues to return more to normal here and in many other areas of the country,” said Felix, a native of Tucson, Ariz.

Dr. Addel Salman Mousa, the director of the Baghdad zoo, said it means a lot to him and the people of Iraq to receive such a gift.

“This day is a historical day for the Baghdad zoo,” said the director. “We are really happy today. We want to bring smiles back to the kids and the public, who faced years of deprivation.”

As the security situation in Baghdad continues to improve, so does the attendance at the Baghdad zoo. At least 2,000 Iraqis visit the zoo each weekday, with tens of thousands visitors on the weekends.

DVIDS
By 1st Lindsey Travis
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborn Division