Compared to other parts of the Balkans and the former Yugoslavia, Macedonia has had a cakewalk the last decade... which isn't to say that times weren't still plenty hard (just less you know, active warfare). When societies are shaken, zoos are some of the first institutions to suffer, and the zoo of Macedonia's capital Skopje was no exception. It's a story that's played out across the globe in stressed, often wartorn societies, from Kabul to Caracas. Here, at least, things seem to be improving by leaps and bounds. What's happening in Skopje is a great reminder of the positive energy that a zoo can bring to its community, as long as it gets support and stability.
New animals, new exhibits, new conservation partnerships, the prospect of accreditation in the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums... quite a turn around. Congratulations to every Macedonian zookeeper - and their collaborators across Europe - who have worked so hard to nurse this zoo back to health. Hopefully it's future will continue to shine, serving as an inspiration for down-on-their luck zoos across the globe.
Sea lion Khan and his keeper Dragan Traikovski. Photo: BIRN
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