Yerevan Deputy Mayor Tigran Virabyan presented acting director Vladimir Simonyan to Yerevan Zoo staff. Simonyan was the deputy director of the zoo until now.
The Deputy Mayor reminded that former director Ruben Khachatryan had presented his resignation letter to the Mayor weeks ago.
“I have to thank former director Mr. Khachatryan once more for the great work he carried out during these years with the participation of the staff. I want to stress that he will continue supporting the Zoo with his professional experience. It is important for us that the acting director of the Zoo is from this staff and is aware of the issues. We are certain that specialists will make sure there are no new issues during this transitional period,” said Virabyan, assuring that the Zoo will continue moving in the same direction.
At the same time, the Deputy Mayor highlighted that the Zoo has several primary problems, which have to be solved next year. In particular, it concerns the fencing of the area and the safety of the Zoo. The health insurance of the staff is also on the City Hall’s agenda.
“Changes are the imperative of the time, however, it does not mean, that drastic changes are expected among the staff. Only the people who deal in animal trade or have other interests cannot stay here,” stressed Virabyan.
Acting director Simonyan thanked for the trust and mentioned that he would introduce his experience in management into the development of the Zoo.
After the meeting, Virabyan held a meeting with the management. Following it, it was announced that a professional working group had been formed to aid in efficient organization of the work. Furthermore, veterinarian Iman Memarian has been invited to Armenia from the Islamic Republic of Iran. He will hold the office of vice director of the zoo after the regulation of documents and receiving Armenian citizenship. He has managed Tehran Zoo for years. Memarian has collaborated with several international organizations and has great experience in the field.
