Kabul Zoo Standard Policy SOP

The policy's main purposes are to disseminate information, conserve endangered species, and conduct research, while also offering visitors a stimulating recreational environment. The objectives of the Kabul Zoo include supporting the conservation of endangered species by providing a last chance of survival through coordinated breeding under ex-situ conditions and raising stocks for rehabilitating them in the wild. The zoo also aims to inspire empathy for wild animals, raise awareness about the need for conservation of natural resources, and maintain ecological balance. Additionally, the zoo seeks to provide opportunities for scientific studies and create a database for sharing between agencies involved in in-situ and ex-situ conservation. The policy defines key terms, including endangered species, breeding, ex-situ conservation, and in-situ conservation. Ex-situ conservation refers to the protection of endangered species outside of their natural habitat, while in-situ conservation involves the conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of animal species. The scope of the policy includes the responsibilities of the Kabul Zoo, which include preparing a long-term master plan for development, maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment, and giving priority to endangered species in their collection and breeding plans. The policy also outlines guidelines for the acquisition of animals, including the prohibition of collecting animals from the wild except for approved breeding programs and the infusion of new blood inbred groups. The policy emphasizes the importance of providing adequate housing, upkeep, and health care for animals in the zoo. Each animal enclosure must be of sufficient size to allow for free movement and exercise, and must provide appropriate shelters, perches, withdrawal areas, wallows, pools, drinking water points, and other facilities that enable animals to display their natural behavior and protect them from extreme climate conditions. The policy also outlines guidelines for the upkeep of animal collections, including the provision of diets similar to those found in nature, the availability of round-the-clock portable drinking water, and the prevention of physical handling of animals to avoid human imprinting and domestication. The policy prohibits the provocation or torture of animals for the purpose of extracting performances or tricks for the benefit of visitors. The policy emphasizes the importance of providing the highest standards of veterinary care to all animals in the collection, and outlines guidelines for the provision of health care and veterinary services. The policy also emphasizes the importance of avoiding the collection of animals from the wild, except for approved breeding programs and the infusion of new blood inbred groups, and prohibits the entry into transactions involving the violation of laws and provisions of international conventions on wildlife conservation. The policy's scope also includes the provision of amenities to visitors, including education and outreach activities, and the enforcement of the policy through regular evaluation and monitoring. The policy's implementation is overseen by the Department of Cultural Affairs, and is subject to the approval of the H.E. Mohammad Younas Nawandish.