Karen Dallakyan, president of the "Save Me" foundation and a leading veterinarian from Russia, has extensive experience in rescuing many animals with serious injuries requiring complex surgical interventions. This time he arrived in Bishkek as part of the volunteer initiative "Mission GOOD". During his visit, he not only performed surgeries but also examined animals at the "Zoo Bishkek" rehabilitation center, where he shared his experience with local specialists on the recovery of their charges.
One of the most complex surgeries involved a raptor and lasted more than an hour and a half. This intervention was performed on-site, as transportation could harm the animal due to stress.
“When the surgery drags on for an hour and a half, there are always great concerns, so we had to extend the anesthesia,” Dallakyan shared his impressions.
The condition of the animals in the center was a pleasant surprise for him.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the good condition of the animals. In my wildlife shelter, I often see the results of human cruelty: traps, the abandonment of 'non-working' animals in the circus industry. Here, however, I saw proper nutrition, cleanliness, and care, which are the keys to the health of animals in Bishkek,” he noted.
Karen emphasized the importance of teamwork, which allowed them to successfully conduct the surgery. Moreover, in Bishkek, he met his classmate.
“After 35 years, I met my classmate, who now teaches veterinary surgery. In collaboration with local specialists, we were able to perform the surgery under challenging conditions. Every minute was important, as the bird was in an unnatural position under anesthesia, which put a strain on its respiratory organs and heart. But the result was the saving of the bird's life,” the veterinarian recounted.
Just three hours after the surgery, the bird began to recover.
“It started drinking and making sounds; these eagles have a very interesting 'barking'. We experienced these joyful moments together with the center's staff. When I came out of the operating room, everyone was waiting for news, like relatives awaiting news about a loved one. Good deeds always end well. We can overcome any difficulties when we act together,” he added.
“All the animals that come to us have injuries. People bring them in, sometimes leave them at home, and then give them up. Most of those we can rehabilitate are released back into the wild. This is our main goal,” he explained.
Currently, there are about 300 animals and birds of more than 35 species in the center, but returning many of them to the wild is impossible.
“We have many raptors with injured wings, as well as foxes and wolves with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, some animals will never be able to return to the wild,” Shevchenko added.
He also reported that two birds were recently brought to the center.
“The New Year started with us being informed about a found sea eagle, which presumably collided with a car. It has multiple fractures, a damaged wing, and a shattered leg. The second bird was also brought in with a severe wing injury. We have already operated on the sea eagle and will now fight for its life. A long recovery process lies ahead,” the director explained.
According to him, the arrival of the Russian veterinarian was a significant support for the center.
“It happened quickly. We contacted Rossotrudnichestvo, and they provided assistance. Then the Russian association 'Dobro.rf' sent a specialist with extensive experience. Not every veterinarian takes on such complex surgeries, especially when it comes to birds,” Shevchenko reported.
The center has already signed a memorandum of cooperation and plans to establish a permanent exchange of experience.
Deputy Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in Kyrgyzstan, Anastasia Brailovskaya, emphasized the importance of professional interaction.
“The exchange of experience is of great interest to us. This concerns assistance to rare and red-listed animals, as well as recommendations for their feeding and rehabilitation. Our main task is not to leave the animal in captivity, but to treat, resocialize, and return it to the wild when possible,” she noted.
“The first days show that the surgeries were successful: the birds are alive, drinking, and eating. But there are still many days and weeks of observation and rehabilitation ahead,” Brailovskaya added.
Rossotrudnichestvo also reported that the "Mission GOOD" program will continue in the future.
