Photo Exhibition “Fauna of Paraguay: Symbolic Species. Nature, Culture and Environmental Protection” Opens at the Moscow Zoo

On July 21, 2026, the Library of the Moscow Zoo hosted the grand opening of the photo exhibition “Fauna of Paraguay: Symbolic Species. Nature, Culture and Environmental Protection.” The event was part of the large-scale Festival of Latin America and the Caribbean in Moscow.

The exhibition was opened by His Excellency Víctor Hugo Peña Bareiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Paraguay to the Russian Federation. In his remarks, he noted the importance of the project for developing cultural dialogue between Paraguay and Russia. The Ambassador emphasized that the Republic’s natural heritage is closely tied to its history, traditions, and national culture, and that learning about its symbolic animal species helps people better understand the country’s distinctive identity.

Alexey Suslov, Deputy Director General for Zoological Work at the Moscow Zoo, focused in his remarks on how fitting it was that the exhibition was being held at the Moscow Zoo. He noted that the zoo is not only a popular place to relax but also one of the country’s largest educational and conservation centers. In this context, the exhibition takes on special meaning, reminding visitors of the need to protect rare species, treat the environment with care, and recognize the importance of international cooperation in ecology and culture.

In her speech, Anastasia Sibileva, Head of the International Relations Directorate at the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, stressed the cultural and educational significance of the project. Special attention was given to the symbolism of the venue: the Moscow Zoo was highlighted as an important conservation and educational center, where the protection of rare species and careful use of resources naturally connects with cultural diplomacy. Anastasia Viktorovna thanked His Excellency Víctor Hugo Peña Bareiro, the author of the works, and the Moscow Zoo team for their contribution to preparing the exhibition and emphasized that initiatives like this turn the Festival of Latin America and the Caribbean into a true journey that carries participants from central Moscow to a world of tropical forests, plains, and the rich biodiversity of a distant country.

The author of the exhibition, Paraguayan professional photographer Oscar Rivet, personally presented his works and delivered a lecture. The photographer spoke about his creative path, the circumstances behind his images, and the stories behind individual shots. Using the works on display, he showed how Paraguay’s wildlife is connected to its culture and mythology and explained why certain species are seen not only as part of the fauna but also as important cultural symbols.

During the opening, it was also noted that the language of photography needs no translation and can bring together people from different countries and cultures.

The exhibition will run until August 31, 2026. No separate admission fee is required to visit the exhibition.