Ruined Tbilisi Zoo and Ambiguous Plans on the New Project
The June 13 2015 Tbilisi flood has already killed 20 people, left at least 24 families without shelter and destroyed several enclosures at Tbilisi Zoo. Owners of the zoo confirmed that caretaker Guliko Chitadze – who previously lost her arm after being attacked by a tiger – died as a result of the flood (http://georgiatoday.ge/news/362/Interview-with-the-Late-Guliko-Chitadze%2C-Zoo-Worker-and-Animal-Lover).
In response to the tragedy June 15 was declared a day of national mourning. Georgian society came together in its entirety, regardless of ethnicity or race.
Apocalyptic scenes, including the hippo, lions, bears and wolves set free have already attracted the attention of world media. Tbilisi Zoo spokeswomen Mzia Sharashidze confirmed that eight lions, seven tigers and two jaguars were killed. Only two bears survived, while six of the zoo’s 10 penguins died. A white lion cub named Shumba was found shot in the head on Sunday. Additionally, the flooding destroyed a shelter housing homeless dogs.
According to government estimates the total property damage amounts to more than 40 mln USD. One infrastructure project that must be carried out is the building of the new Zoo.
The project to move the old zoo to the city’s periphery began in 2012. London studio HASSELL, together with design firm Arup, was appointed by Tbilisi City Hall to finalize the concept design of the new Tbilisi Zoo on the city’s outskirts. The project’s original idea aimed at building a zoological and recreation complex on the inland lake known as Tbilisi Sea.
The plan called for a number of new buildings and landscapes, including an entrance hub, boulevard, a secondary hub with playground and cafe, an inner zoo and an open-range zoo. The plan originally aimed at building upon the dramatic landscape and mountainous topography of the area to create an enjoyable recreation space in Tbilisi.
The project of building the new Zoo was developed on a conceptual level but sidelined when the new government took power in 2012. Last weekend’s tragedy raised many questions regarding the new project and the future location of the zoo, but government officials have not yet confirmed willingness to implement the project developed by HASELL.
Rumours are circulating that former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili plans to finance the new zoo’s construction. However, no official source has yet been found to confirm.
A petition has appeared on the internet promoting the idea that the new Tbilisi Zoo be named after Guliko Chitadze. “Guliko Chitadze was and remains the greatest example of love towards animals. She did her duty till her final moments, regardless of the danger she was in. So let us make sure that our children are taught how to love our four-legged friends with the story of Guliko Chitadze!” reads the petition.
Teona Surmava