Turkmenistan celebrates 95 years of the Ashgabat Botanical Garden, which opened on October 1, 1929, as reported by the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan published on Thursday. The garden spans 18.5 hectares and holds the title of the oldest scientific institution in Central Asia. It showcases a diverse collection of plants, many of which are non-native but adapt well to the harsh climatic conditions of the region.
Continuing this legacy, the National Park of Living Nature was built in the picturesque Gokdere area at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains. The park covers 40 hectares, meets international standards for animal protection, and features lush green landscapes. With approximately 270,000 visitors each year, the park serves as a popular destination for family outings. It includes a veterinary clinic, quarantine facilities, and artesian wells that provide clean water for the animals.
In 2024, the park achieved an important milestone by becoming a full member of the Euro-Asian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In 2025, as the park celebrates 15 years since its opening at the current location, it will continue to focus on the scientific care of animals thriving in excellent ecological conditions.
The park hosts various animal species, including the one-humped Arabian camel, the two-humped Bactrian camel, emus, African buffalo, and even exotic animals like rhinos and giraffes. Over the past two years, the park welcomed offspring from 18 different species, including crocodiles.
Since its opening in 2010, the park has provided a safe haven for many species listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan and other countries.
