Karen Dallakyan, president of the "Save Me" foundation and a leading veterinarian from Russia, has extensive experience in rescuing numerous animals, many of which have faced serious injuries and required highly qualified assistance. As part of the volunteer program "Mission GOOD," he arrived in Bishkek, where he performed several surgical operations for animals at the "Zoo Bishkek" rehabilitation center, examined animals, and shared his experience with local veterinarians.
One of the most complex operations involved a bird of prey, which lasted over 90 minutes. The intervention was conducted on-site, as transportation could have caused severe stress and threatened the animal's life.
“When the operation lasts more than an hour and a half, the tension rises, and we had to extend the action of the anesthetics,” the veterinarian explained.
Karen noted that the condition of the animals at the center was a pleasant surprise for him.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the good condition of the animals. I have my own shelter for wild animals, and I often encounter the consequences of cruelty from humans: traps, the circus industry, where 'non-working' animals are disposed of. Here, I saw proper nutrition, appropriate living conditions, and cleanliness, which formed the basis of the healthy situation I observed in Bishkek,” he remarked.
Karen also emphasized that the successful completion of the complex operation was made possible by teamwork. In Bishkek, he met his classmate, who is now a professor of veterinary surgery.
“After 35 years, I met my classmate again. Together with local specialists, we performed the operation almost in field conditions. Every minute counted, as the fixation of the bird under anesthesia was in an unnatural position, which placed a significant strain on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. But we succeeded - the bird was saved,” Dallakyan shared.
He added that just three hours after the operation, the bird began to recover.
“It started to drink water and make sounds - these eagles have a very interesting 'bark.' These were joyful moments that we shared with the center's staff. When I came out of the operating room, everyone was waiting for news, like relatives waiting for a loved one. Good deeds always end well. Any barriers can be overcome when we are together,” the veterinarian shared.
“All animals come to us injured. Sometimes they are brought by people who kept them at home and then decided to give them up. Most of those who can be rehabilitated are released back into the wild. This is our main goal,” he said.
Currently, there are about 300 animals and birds at the center, representing more than 35 species. Unfortunately, many of them can no longer be returned to the wild.
“We have many birds of prey with damaged wings, as well as foxes and wolves with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, some animals will never be able to return to the wild,” Shevchenko noted.
He also mentioned that two birds were admitted to the center very recently.
“We received a call on New Year's and were informed that they found a sea eagle, presumably it flew into a car. It has multiple fractures and wing injuries. The second bird was also brought in with a serious wing injury. The sea eagle has already been operated on; now we will fight for its life. A long recovery process lies ahead,” the director explained.
According to him, the arrival of the Russian veterinarian has been a significant support for the center.
“Everything happened very quickly. We contacted Rossotrudnichestvo, and they supported us. Then the Russian association 'Dobro.rf' got involved and brought an experienced specialist. Very few veterinarians take on such complex operations, especially when it comes to birds,” Shevchenko added.
The center has signed a memorandum of cooperation and plans to establish a permanent exchange of experience.
Anastasia Brailovskaya, deputy head of the Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the importance of professional interaction.
“We are interested in this exchange of experience. It will help rare and endangered species, as well as provide recommendations for their feeding and rehabilitation. Our main task is not to leave the animal in captivity but to heal, resocialize, and, if possible, return it to the wild,” she said.
“The first day shows that the operations 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 emphasized that the "Mission GOOD" program will continue in the future.
The video caption is available on our Telegram channel. The author of the video is Elizaveta Bliznyuk.
