Before visiting Tarsus Zoo last Sunday, I never recalled hearing of the place. It would have been better if I had never heard of it.

On the hot early summer day the smell of faeces was almost unbearable. The rows of exotic animals were kept in tiny concrete and steel cages with very little room as if they were all on death row. I don’t think the vulture could even stretch it wings fully.

The Tarsus Zoo is something out of the middle ages, prior to the existence of modern zoological science and animal welfare. I imagine most zoos looked like this 100 years ago.

To see the big cats, birds of prey, bears and other supposedly wild animals in cramped and sterile conditions was heart-wrenching. The following pictures only tell part of the story.

I really hope Tarsus Council either close the zoo or radically improve its animal facilities. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were no tertiary trained zoologists or wild animal veterinarians employed by the council.

I’d be willing to pay much more than the 60 kurus entrance fee if it meant the animals could at lease minimise their suffering. Such a major zoo overhaul would cost millions of lira, something I doubt the council could justify. It wouldn’t cost too much to close, though.

To write to the council and voice your disapproval of the zoo’s animal enclosures, their email is bilgi@tarsus.bel.tr.