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Rare animals have been released into the wild at the Ismayilli branch of the Shahdag National Park.

On August 29, a ceremony for the release of rare animals into the wild took place in the Ismayilli branch of the Shahdag National Park, attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and leader of the IDEA Public Union.

During the ceremony, Caspian red deer, Dagestan tours, and porcupines were released into specially chosen natural areas. It was noted that under Leyla Aliyeva's involvement, in 2022, four Caspian red deers were released into a designated area in Shahdag National Park for their adaptation period, increasing their population to 10 individuals. Additionally, the IDEA Public Union brought in two more Caspian red deers from the Baku Zoo, bringing the total number of these rare species to 12. Thus, a total of 12 Caspian red deers, along with 10 porcupines and 3 Dagestan tours raised at the Baku Zoo, were released into the wild during the event.

It was emphasized that one of the main activities of the Baku Zoo is to increase the population of rare and endangered species, restoring their numbers. The animals released into the Shahdag National Park were also raised as part of the "Biodiversity Development" project, implemented jointly by the IDEA Public Union, the Baku Zoo, and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The main goal of the project is to breed rare and endangered species of fauna in our country, including animals listed in the "Red Book" of Azerbaijan, and to release them into the wild to restore their historical ranges.

It was also noted that one of the successful projects of the IDEA Public Union is the "Reintroduction of European Bison in Azerbaijan" program. This program, implemented since 2019 by the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Baku Zoo, and the Azerbaijan representative office of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), involves bringing bison from various locations in Europe to restore the population of these animals, which are disappearing in the Caucasus. As a result of the successful implementation of this program, the bison population in Azerbaijan has reached nearly 70 individuals.

Such projects play an important role in enriching the biodiversity of Azerbaijan. Project participants urge the Azerbaijani public to be active in the conservation and increase of rare animal populations and to put an end to illegal hunting.