On September 13, 2025, the Shymkent Zoo staff actively participated in the national environmental campaign "Clean Kazakhstan," which included a large-scale cleanup day. This initiative was a significant event not only for the zoo itself but also for the city as a whole, as the campaign's main goal is to preserve nature, instill a caring attitude toward the environment in the younger generation, and create a comfortable environment for both people and animals.

The "Clean Kazakhstan" campaign is held annually in all regions of the country, attracting more and more participants each year. It aims to promote environmental protection, greening, waste removal, and foster environmental awareness among the population.

A zoo is more than just a place where animals are kept. It is a unique symbol of nature and wildlife conservation, as well as an educational platform where children and adults learn about nature and learn to care for it. Therefore, the team's participation in environmental cleanups is of great educational value and serves as a role model for the entire community.

The cleanup took place on the zoo grounds and in adjacent areas. The work included:

• cleaning up garbage along roads and pedestrian paths;

• sanitary cleaning of places where animals are kept;

• maintenance of green spaces and planting of new trees and shrubs;

• cleaning the pond and areas adjacent to the water from plastic and household waste.

It's gratifying to note that not only zoo staff but also volunteers, students, and city residents joined the effort. Such a broad range of participants demonstrated that caring for nature isn't a formality, but a conscious need that unites people of all ages and backgrounds.

The organizers paid special attention to young people. Schoolchildren and students participated in the event, enthusiastically helping clean up the area, plant trees, and maintain the green spaces. For them, this was not just practical work experience, but an important lesson in caring for the future.

Experienced zoo staff and environmentalists taught the children about environmental protection rules, proper waste disposal, the importance of sorting trash, and conserving water. Thus, the cleanup day also turned into a live ecology lesson.

Developing an environmental outlook at a young age is crucial. Those who learn to love nature, respect animals, and care for the environment from childhood will be more responsible in their actions and choices as adults.

Zoo management emphasized that nature conservation is not solely the responsibility of government agencies or individual organizations. It is the shared responsibility of every citizen.

"If every person keeps their yard, street, and workplace clean, the environmental situation nationwide will improve. Government initiatives are important, but without the personal contribution of every resident, they won't yield the desired results," the organizers noted.

Many of the cleanup participants shared their impressions.

One of the students said:
"Today we cleaned up trash and planted trees, and it gave us a sense of contributing to the future. Our contribution may be small, but if such events are regular, the country will become cleaner and more beautiful."

One of the volunteers added:
"Animals living in a zoo must be kept in a clean and safe environment. Their health and well-being directly depend on how we treat the grounds. Therefore, participating in the cleanup day is also an expression of concern for the animals."

These words demonstrate that for many people, the event was more than just a cleanup. It was an act of civic responsibility and respect for nature.

The organizers are confident that "Clean Kazakhstan" should not remain a one-time event. It should become the foundation for systematic environmental conservation efforts.

The zoo plans to hold such events regularly, engaging schoolchildren, students, and city residents. The zoo also plans to hold environmental lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and competitions aimed at promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Initiatives like these will help raise a new generation of citizens for whom caring for nature will become the norm and part of everyday life.

The cleanup event held on September 13, 2025, at the Shymkent Zoo was a shining example of how people's combined efforts can change the environment for the better.

Environmental awareness, love of nature, and responsibility for cleanliness and order are not temporary goals, but a long-term strategy on which the country's future depends.

If every person makes even a small contribution – picking up trash, planting a tree, keeping their yard clean – everyone will feel the results.