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Moscow Zoo
Igor Starkov
Published on 20/01/12
Animals have always been an important part of Russian culture. In traditional myths and fairy tales human beings usually turn to to animals for miraculous solutions. Be it common laziness, illness or marital decision — jackfish, frogs, horses, foxes and bears are there to help.
During the last few months Russia has figuratively become a kind of zoo or jungle full of animals of all kinds. Prime minister Putin quotes Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” speaking as a python Kaa from the first person. Opposition leader Boris Nemtsov calls the protestors “hamsters” and “penguins” in his recently released private phone conversations. Bandar-logs, crabs, bears.. you name it.
Igor Starkov portrays contemporary Russia in the Moscow Zoo.