Baku: A festive celebration for children took place at the Central Botanical Garden, initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union. This event was organized by the Baku City Executive Authority and catered to minors residing in dormitories, featuring entertainment, games, and musical performances. The children also received various gifts as part of the festivities.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Leyla Aliyeva joined the children in releasing ten squirrels, raised at the Baku Zoo, into the Central Botanical Garden. This initiative is part of the IDEA Public Union's "Urban Ecology" project, which seeks to protect and restore urban fauna species that were once prevalent in the city. The release aims to encourage the squirrels to reproduce naturally within the Botanical Garden.

Historically, Baku was home to numerous squirrels and other wildlife, coexisting with people in parks and green spaces. However, environmental challenges at the end of the last century led to a significant decline in these species. Recent large-scale landscaping and beautification projects across the country, particularly efforts by the IDEA Public Union to curb illegal deforestation and plant numerous new trees in Baku, have fostered favorable conditions for the return of many animal species to the urban landscape.