AUA Acopian Center for the Environment Hosts Director of Yerevan Zoo

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Yerevan, Armenia—On April 9, 2015, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment (ACE) hosted Ruben Khachatryan, Director of the Yerevan Zoo, for an inside look at transforming the Yerevan Zoo into a significant educational venue in Yerevan and the country. Mr. Khachatryan discussed the steps taken to improve the welfare of the animals and increase the zoo’s educational impact for environmental and wildlife protection.

Over the past several years, the Yerevan Zoo has partnered with zoos in Amsterdam, Australia, Israel, and more, to bring the world’s best practices in animal care, zoo facility design, and programming. “Zoos in European countries and the U.S. play a crucial role in conservation. Around 60% of preservation efforts are made possible because of these zoos. And now Yerevan Zoo will also take part in this initiative,” said Mr. Khachatryan.

The Yerevan Zoo has been under the management of the Fund for Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) since 2011. FPWC, founded and led by Mr. Khachatryan, also oversees the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge, a 2000 hectare protected area in the vicinity of Khosrov Forest State Reserve.

Starting in summer 2015, AUA ACE will be working with FPWC to place AUA students as interns at the Yerevan Zoo and the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge.

The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment (AUA ACE) is a research center of the American University of Armenia. AUA ACE promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. AUA ACE’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity and conservation, greening the built environment, clean energy and energy efficiency, as well as information technology and the environment.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.