Employees' wages are "very low and don't correspond to the hazards they face, such as potential injuries or joint pains", said Sarih. The veterinarian said he had contacted the authorities, including the municipality of Baghdad, which is responsible for the zoo, but had yet to come across "any receptive ears". Sarih predicted the zoo will soon have to close its doors in the absence of an ambitious renovation plan. "Then the whole community will be a loser," he said.
AFP