Chen's Menagerie
The Mirzak Institute for Biological Preservation, known more widely as Chen's Menagerie after former Chancellor Linge Chen is a biological reserve and research institute in Corumm. Originally a zoological garden created for the enjoyment of Chen himself, it houses hundreds of animal specimens from all over the world along with local fauna.
History
Built in 1998 in the western outskirts of Mirzak, the original menagerie was initially meant to house Linge Chen's two Long-toothed Hounds Toramino and Berossus. While it is rumored that Chen may have on occassion fed some of his political opponents to his pets, he also ordered that the compound be equipped with state of the art cattle and poultry farms to provide meat for his animals. Other exotic animals came to Chen as gifts such as a rare blue feathered Giswi gifted by a minister and an orangutan named Farfour sent by the Zurg of Varshan. In time more specialized habitats that recreated the natural homes of these and other specimens were built.
By 2006 the menagerie was opened to high ranking members of the Party and their families for recreational purposes. The general public however was mostly uninformed about the purpose of the facility and were not allowed access. The 1,500 acre property was fenced off from the outside world by checkpoints, concrete walls, watchtowers, barbed wire and a 200-strong detachment of Chancellery guards that were on duty 24/7.
Following the 2007 conquest of Ixa'Taka, the treasures of Mezro were plundered by the army, including around three hundred crocodiles, monitor lizards, turtles and other reptilians kept by King Cacama. These reptiles were transported back to Corumm where Chen ordered the construction of the Reptile Quadrant and artificial lakes to house them. After the death of Chen in 2012 the facility was renamed to the Mirzak Institute for Biological Preservation and an animal research and conservation center was opened, while retaining the zoo portion and opening it to the public.
Facilitiess
- Zhangya Pit - Home of the long-toothed hounds where live pigs and cows are periodically released and torn to pieces by the predators.
- Reptile Quarter - The Reptile Quarter consists of several domed habitats including a large artificial lake and tropical flora. Thousands of kilograms of cow meat are distributed to the hundreds of crocodiles living in the lake.
- Sea World
- Avian Dome
- Deer Park
- The Penguin Exhibit - Hosts the descendants of a penguin colony brought from Stenza during the last imperial period.