The Moscow Zoo is planning a fresh lineup this season, with Director Svetlana Akulova confirming that several new species will join the zoo’s collection. DEA News has reported on these forthcoming introductions, highlighting the ongoing efforts to expand the diversity of animals on display and to offer visitors something new to see and learn about.
One example cited among the new arrivals is an anteater, a creature that tends to fascinate guests with its unusual feeding habits and distinctive physical traits. The announcement underscores the zoo’s intent to broaden its representation of wildlife, sparking curiosity about how these animals will adapt to the enclosures and what interpretive materials will accompany their introductions.
Akulova also indicated that the season may bring some pleasant surprises for visitors, hinting at dynamic exhibits or interactive experiences that could enhance the overall visitor journey. The goal is to provide engaging and educational encounters while ensuring the animals’ welfare and enrichment are prioritized.
Vladimir Romanov, an ornithologist who previously led the Bird Lovers Association, commented to Gazeta.ru about the vulture Kuzya at the Moscow Zoo. He noted that Kuzya was found lying in a bowl of water and exhibiting convulsions. Romanov suggested that the bird’s diet is highly selective and that Kuzya may have been exposed to poison through tampered food, a possibility he described as a deliberate act by someone attempting to harm the animal. He added that Kuzya’s receptors and feeding preferences could make it difficult for the bird to distinguish unsafe food, raising concerns about visitor safety and animal welfare in environments where animals are fed by guests or staff at times.
Earlier, Akulova had stated that zoo staff on duty had found Kuzya in distress after the bird was observed lying in a bowl of water and twitching. She emphasized that staff had noticed instances where visitors attempted to place food over the railings, raising questions about how to safeguard vulnerable animals while maintaining engaging public access. The director also stressed that the zoo works to understand the cause of Kuzya’s condition fully, relying on veterinary assessments and careful monitoring to determine the appropriate actions to protect both Kuzya and visitors.