Karen Dallakyan, president of the "Save Me" foundation and a leading veterinarian from Russia, has saved thousands of animals during his career, many of whom required serious surgical assistance. His visit to Bishkek was part of the volunteer initiative "Mission GOOD," where he performed a series of surgeries and examined the wards of the rehabilitation center "Zoo Bishkek," sharing his knowledge with local specialists.
One of the most complex procedures was a surgery on a bird of prey that lasted over an hour and a half. This surgery was performed on-site, as transportation could pose a serious threat to the bird's life due to stress.
“When the surgery drags on, our worries increase, so we extended the action of anesthetics and relaxants,” noted Karen Dallakyan.
He also expressed surprise at the condition of the animals in the center.
“I was pleasantly surprised to see that the animals are in good condition. In my wildlife shelter, I often encounter the consequences of human cruelty: traps, unwanted animals from circuses. Here, proper nutrition and care create a healthy atmosphere,” he added.
According to the veterinarian, the successful completion of the surgery was made possible by teamwork. In Bishkek, he also met his classmate who teaches veterinary surgery.
“After 35 years, I met my classmate, and together with local specialists, we managed to perform the surgery in conditions close to fieldwork. Every minute was precious, as the fixation of the bird under anesthesia occurs in an unnatural position, putting stress on the heart and respiratory organs. But we succeeded - the bird is saved,” said Dallakyan.
He added that just three hours after the surgery, the bird began to recover.
“It started drinking and making sounds; these eagles have a very interesting 'bark.' Such moments are joyful when you leave the operating room, and everyone is waiting for news, like relatives,” shared the veterinarian.
“All the animals come to us with injuries. People bring them, or they end up with us after being kept in domestic conditions. We try to return everyone we can,” he noted.
Currently, there are about 300 animals and birds of various species in the center, although many will not be able to return to the wild.
“We have many birds of prey with serious injuries: broken wings, gunshot wounds in foxes and wolves. Unfortunately, some of them will never be able to be released into the wild,” emphasized Shevchenko.
He also reported that two birds recently arrived at the center.
“On New Year's, we were informed about a found sea eagle that likely crashed into a car. It has multiple fractures and injuries. The second bird also suffered from a serious wing injury. We have already performed surgery on the sea eagle and will now fight for its life. A long recovery process lies ahead,” said the director.
According to him, the arrival of the Russian veterinarian was a significant support for the center.
“It happened quickly: we contacted Rossotrudnichestvo, and they supported us. The Russian association 'Dobro.rf' sent a specialist with extensive experience. Not all veterinarians take on such complex surgeries, especially with birds,” said Shevchenko.
The center has 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.
“This exchange of experience is very important. It is not only about helping rare and red-listed animals but also about recommendations for their feeding and rehabilitation. Our main goal is not to leave the animal in captivity but to heal it and return it to the wild,” she noted.
“The first days show that the surgeries were successful: the birds are alive, drinking, and eating. However, there are still many days and weeks of observation and rehabilitation ahead,” added Brailovskaya.
Rossotrudnichestvo reported that the "Mission GOOD" program will continue in the future.
