BAKU, July 22 — Authorities have uncovered a disturbing case of animal cruelty at a seaside restaurant in Baku’s Binagadi district. Following the circulation of troubling footage from the AF Hotel restaurant, where domestic animals were allegedly being used for entertainment, an urgent inspection was launched by the IDEA Public Union, with support from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the Food Safety Agency.
The joint investigation revealed that seven cats and one dog were kept in poor conditions and exploited to amuse diners. More shockingly, inspectors uncovered an illegal zoo operating without any official permits.
Among the animals found in the makeshift menagerie were five peacocks, two flamingos, three raccoons, one ostrich, eight ferrets, two ponies, three llamas, three alpacas, five rabbits, and five parrots — including several species listed in Azerbaijan’s Red Book of endangered wildlife. The conditions were deemed entirely unsuitable for housing wild and exotic animals.
All animals were immediately removed from the premises by veterinary specialists from the IDEA Animal Care Center and the Baku Zoological Park. They are currently undergoing clinical assessments and rehabilitation.
Once fully recovered, the domestic animals will be placed in a temporary care center where they can be matched with new owners. The wild species are expected to be released back into their natural habitats.
IDEA has issued a public appeal urging citizens to treat animals with care and responsibility, to refrain from keeping wild animals illegally, and to report any suspected abuse or violations by calling the hotline “1113” or contacting IDEA through their official social media platforms.
