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Brief history |
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14 October 1912 is regarded as the date when Riga Zoological Garden was
officially founded. On this day an official document of acceptance was
signed. The Society "Zoological Garden in Riga" had established a modern
zoological garden. Financial support was provided by donations.
The Zoo's development was
stalled by World War I. In August 1917 the Zoo was closed. A part of
animal collection was moved to Germany, another part was sold, the rest
of animals had to be put down.
In 1921 the territory of the
Zoo was handed to the Department of Social Security, and summer camps
for children of low income families were established at the site.
On 24 September 1933 the Zoo
reopened in a part of its former territory. The new society, "The
Latvian Zoological Garden", managed the restoration of the old exhibits
and the building of new ones. The Zoo started to prosper again. By 1940,
the Zoo had recovered all its original territory.
Riga Zoological Garden remained
open throughout World War II. At the end of the war, the Zoo's staff
managed to save the animal collection from moving to Germany again.
During Soviet times, the Zoo developed a rich animal collection despite
restrictions characteristic of that time period. Riga Zoological Garden
was considered one of the best zoos in the Soviet Union.
When Latvia regained its
independence in 1991, the Zoo was in a shabby shape, with neglected
buildings and infrastructure. With the help of financial support from
the government, the municipality of Riga and sponsors, the Zoo's
dedicated and creative staff managed to improve and develop the Zoo.
In November 1992, Riga Zoo
joined the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). In December
1992 the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia approved the Zoo's
renaming to Riga National Zoological Garden.
Source: official site of
Riga Zoo (2018)
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