And Time's Man Of The Year Was Vladmir Putin

Before the war;

... the zoo, located in Zawra Park, was home to more than 500 animals, officials said.

Some of the animals escaped as mortar rounds slammed into the zoo during fighting between U.S. troops and the Iraqi Republican Guard.

After the fighting subsided, many of the smaller and tamer animals, such as goats and pigs, were stolen for food. More exotic creatures, such as rare species of birds, were sold on the black market or smuggled out of the country.

The zoo reopened in July 2003, and most of the employees returned. But fewer than 100 animals remained.

"It needed medical supplies, and power generation was an issue," said Maj. David Shoupe, a public affairs officer with the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division, which includes the 15th Brigade Support Battalion.

The zoo was dependent on the city's power supply, which meant it typically received electricity for only three hours a day.

So when the battalion assumed zoo duty in April of this year, it brought several generators to ensure the electrical supply.

Next came refurbishing of the clinic, which got new equipment, to the delight of the zoo's 10 veterinarians.

Then, on Nov. 1, the zoo's four bears got a new home, a large compound with natural vegetation and a more wildlife-friendly environment.

It was a dramatic change from the small cages with tile floors where they had previously been confined separately, said Wassem Sarih Ameen, the zoo's chief veterinarian. The floors were hard on the bears' feet, and one of the animals in particular had leg problems, he said.

"Now her health has changed," Ameen said. "She walks better. Her legs are healing."

This month, the support battalion unveiled a new indoor horse stable with 20 individual stalls, along with a washroom and a birthing area. Before the renovation, the horses had to share stalls in an area severely damaged by artillery fire.

Cronin, whose unit is in the process of returning to its base in Ft. Hood, Texas, said the zoo projects were being funded through a $2-million grant from the Army Commander's Emergency Response Program. The city of Baghdad has provided about $500,000.

More - New Year's parties at last