Until 2003, when the United States led an invasion of Iraq, the Baghdad Zoo was the largest zoo in the Middle East, home to more than six hundred animals. Unfortunately, there was heavy fighting near the zoo, and it sustained considerable damage. After that, looters stole any creatures they could.

By the time they were done, only fifty animals remained at the zoo. Veterinarians from around the world offered to help the animals still there. Recently, American military personnel and civilian engineers have helped rebuild the zoo complex, and it is one again open for visitors.