Llewellyn Werner admits he is facing obstacles most amusement park developers
never have to deal with – insurgent attacks and looting.
When you are building an amusement park in downtown Baghdad, those risks come
with the territory.
Mr Werner, chairman of C3, a Los Angeles-based holding company for private
equity firms, is pouring millions of dollars into developing the Baghdad Zoo
and Entertainment Experience, a massive American-style amusement park that
will feature a skateboard park, rides, a concert theatre and a museum. It is
being designed by the firm that developed Disneyland. “The people need this
kind of positive influence. It’s going to have a huge psychological impact,”
Mr Werner said.
The 50-acre (20 hectare) swath of land sits adjacent to the Green Zone and
encompasses Baghdad’s existing zoo, which was looted, left without power and
abandoned after the American-led invasion in 2003. Only 35 of 700 animals
survived – some starved, some were stolen and some were killed by Iraqis
fearing food shortages.
In the years that followed, the zoo and the surrounding al-Zawra park became
an occasional target for insurgent attacks. But in recent months, families
have begun to return cautiously for weekend picnics. Renovations have
already begun on the zoo, with cages being repainted and new animals
arriving, including ostriches, bears and a lion.
Mr Werner, who has been sold a 50-year lease on the site by the Mayor of
Baghdad for an undisclosed sum, says that the time is ripe for the amusement
park. “I think people will embrace it. They’ll see it as an opportunity for
their children regardless if they’re Shia or Sunni. They’ll say their kids
deserve a place to play and they’ll leave it alone.”
Ali al-Dabbagh, a spokesman for the Government, is equally optimistic: “There
is a shortage of entertainment in the city. Cinemas can’t open. Playgrounds
can’t open. The fun park is badly needed for Baghdad. Children don’t have
any opportunities to enjoy their childhood.” Mr al-Dabbagh added that entry
to the park would be strictly controlled.
The project will cost $500 million (£250 million) and will be managed by
Iraqis. Under the terms of the lease, Mr Werner will retain exclusive rights
to housing and hotel developments, which he says will be both culturally
sensitive and enormously profitable. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t
making money,” he said. “I also have this wonderful sense that we’re doing
the right thing – we’re going to employ thousands of Iraqis. But mostly
everything here is for profit.”
A $1 million skateboard park, the first phase of the development, will open in
July. Parts for 200,000 skateboards and materials to build ramps will be
shipped from America to Iraq for assembly at state-owned factories and
distributed free to Iraqi children along with helmets and knee pads.
The larger entertainment park, designed by Ride and Show Engineering Inc, will
follow in phases, part of a strategy launched two years ago by the Iraqi
Government and the US to attract private investment into the country’s 192
state-owned factories.
The factories were closed in 2003 by Paul Bremer, then the head of the
Coalition Provisional Authority, who believed that private enterprise would
take their place. Instead, industries withered and half a million skilled
workers were left jobless.
A task force headed by Paul Brinkley, Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for
Business Transformation, is now attempting to revive Iraq’s factories – a
task undermined by persistent violence.
But Mr Werner, whose company manages several hundred million dollars of
equity, sees Iraq as a great opportunity. “Iraq to me is an open field. I
have never in my life seen an opportunity with the potential that Iraq has
with its skilled workforce and oil reserves.” He has begun partnerships with
several Iraqi factories in the last year, investing tens of millions of
dollars in joint ventures. But the Baghdad Zoo and Entertainment Experience
could prove the most ambitious. General David Petraeus, head of US forces,
is said to be a “big supporter” of the project, according to Mr Brinkley.
“There are all sorts of investment opportunities all over Iraq. But it’s not
just hydrocarbons. Half the Iraqi population is under the age of 15. These
kids really need something to do,” Mr Brinkley said.
City break
— Before the invasion there were two amusement parks in Baghdad, one in
Rusafaa and one in Karf. They now only open on public holidays
— Al-Zawra park and its zoo, (the site of the new park), are among the city’s
most popular attractions. There are fountains, sculptures, coffee shops and
children’s playgrounds
— The Cross Swords park, a favourite meeting place before the invasion, is now
locked inside the green zone
— On warm evenings, Iraqis flock to the city’s three lakes, al-Habanya,
al-Therthar and al-Razaza
No one mentions that this will mostly benefit future diplomats, etc, who will work in & inhabit the largest American consulate in the world. Do you fans of this abomination actually think that Iraqi children will have much use of this? Safe water, food and neighborhoods are needed. I am appalled.
Hannah , Kansas, usa
It should be limited as far as profit for foreigners. Maybe an arrangement whereby the foreign investor gets enough return on his investment to make it worthwhile, but reverts to full Iraqi ownership, with shares distributed to the citizens. Incentive to support it and a lesson in capitalism.
Jon, Massachusetts, USA
Disneyland?
Why not sell bottled water, clothing, Insurance, or electicity?
...I guess there are still a few Americans that think that we are in a shell here in the United States--that we can be unlike 95% of the world, which ultimately leads to more attacks on our culture...
Andrew, O'Neill, NE, USA
i know many americans tend to be ignorant about other forreign cultures. but i never would have thought that anyone could be THIS ignorant. shure the iraqis will love it. hundrets of thousands killed. daily bombings in their city no fresh water but a disney park build by americans to make money.
wolfgang r, graz, austria
Are you guys kidding me anything I mean it anything is a blessing .God bless the visions and the courage of Mr werner and Mr Brinkley.Soo what if its a profit everyone profits .For all you with neg comments get your head out of your ..kids are kids no matter what country,culture,race, or religion,
Omar, Venice CA, united states
We have gone too far. What is the point of spending millions (lets be honest, we know it will be billions before this thing is finished) on an AMUSEMENT park when people do not have guaranteed food, water and safety? This is project is an indirect human rights violation.
Anna, Oslo, Norway
Corruption at its finest.
Brian, Smithtown,
I see a lot of negative comments, This guy didn't start the war, and he is donating 200,000 skateboards. It doesn't make up for anything, soldiers lives, war money, or Iraqi's lives BUT it is in the correct direction, Someone should say thank you!
Are we at a turning point ? almost over ? yayyy!
steve, ottawa, canada
"The West still doesn't get it. Muslims hate our totally commercial lifestyle and culture. I think it will be prime target for bombing. Investors should understand the the culture and not allow their greed to blind them. Dean, Greer"
How about the bombing, invasion & destruction of country, nah
Jeremy, St Albans, England
"Are you bored while your family is either dead, fighting or bearly surviving? no prob, the same people that destroyed your country and culture are now bringing you more shock and awe with the disney indoctrination park!" This is insulting, abusive, corrupt and shameless, a total inversion of values
fernando, barcelona,
This is probably the most ridiculous thing I've read about in a while. Never mind the hundreds of thousands of civilian casualties in the Iraq war or the blatant disregard for international law by our military, let's just build an amusement park and make money off of whoever we haven't killed yet!
Johnny, New York, United States
The West still doesn't get it. Muslims hate our totally commercial lifestyle and culture. I think it will be prime target for bombing. Investors should understand the the culture and not allow their greed to blind them.
Dean, Greer,
Food and water is crucial, this is a wonderful idea. Their whole mind set has to be changed. Offering them these types of opportunities will help change the next generation. The real victory comes as we invest into Iraq and influence the kids.
Steve Janning, Princeton, USA
I worked in a hotel in Boston, only wealthy Middle Easterners would visit, either to pay cash for health care, or to attend school. Those with money will have fun at their "park" while the poor will be treated much like the poor in the USA - 2nd class citizens who clean the toilets and scrub tables.
Corey Mondello, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
No way this has anything to do with land ownership, expanding capital ventures, or distracting the Iraqi's from learning and killing us!!
Dusty, Oregon,
Talk about your screwed up priorities! Water, electricity, food...
Is this the 'better' life that we offer them? Sheesh!
Michelle Arnett, Bullhead City, United States
We now have reached the nadir of American cultural imperialism- "Baghdad Disney"- presumably the 'happiest place in Iraq,' a predictable and logical consequence of the Neo-Cons' feebly, if not malevolently ill-conceived and ill-advised plan to Americanize the Middle East.
Ron, gorham, maine
.....and what benefit is this to the poor Iraqi people?
Would it not have been better to have supplied them with CLEAN WATER, and councellers who might try and help them deal with their turmoil brought on by the great american adventure in their land?
To GWB I say: get out of Iraq.
Pauline, London, UK
I'm sorry but this is the most asinine idea ever. I agree that the children are missing out on much of their childhood but I think water, electricity, schools, plenty of fresh food, and no American soldiers and bombs would make their childhood much better. $500 million could buy a lot of these.
Debra, Alameda, United States
Great another place for US troops to protect.The ironic thing is that Llewellyn Werner sat on fox new and stated " well we have drive by shootings in LA" are you serious your going to relate drive by shootings with War!!! Tell that to all the soldiers serving in iraq and see what they have to say!
SSG Corral, Us ARMY, Escondido, CA, US
I am Iraqi and it hurts when I see the occupier benefits from our stolen souls. An american will never understand the suffering we endure and will endure.
aws, raleigh , USA
Another symbol of the Occupation to add to the 104 acre American Embassy.
Nashoba nowa, Summit, MS, US
This is a big step in the right direction, those people must be tired of war as are troops are of course. Let's hope this works and is followed by more job creation. The children have suffered far too much. Money is far better spent in this way than on bombs!
RayB , Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Obviously Mr Werner is trying to get some attention and has been sold more than a 50 year lease by the Mayor of Baghdad.
Iain McGillivray, Orlando, USA
Does it make people feel better about themselves to belittle America . Europe has been losing it's spine and soul for the past couple of decades. We did the right thing, and we will continue to improve the lives over there. God Bless G.W for having the courage to do the right thing.
Chris, Chicago, USA
A perfect example of "adding insult to injury". As usual.
Julia Iskandar, London, England
Great.....but no doubt some Muslim cleric will find some obscure reference in the hadiths about skate-boarding being un-Islamic....
Phil, Preston,
I love it when I read the negative comments and think these arrogant souls have their parks, zoos, recreation facilities, hot spots for tourism, diners, restaurants, movie theatres, concert halls, and the list goes on and on. So, it's okay for them to have them but not ok for the Iraqi children???
F Moore, Annapolis, MD, U.S.
wonderful Idea, that there is hope, that this nation shall return to the idea of enjoying life. Young people will be able to dream again. For a small while they shall have a respite from toil and strife and take a moment to smile if only for a day.Jobs, infrastructure, local economy, worth the risk.
Michael Henderson, talladega, USA
I agree it is a pretty dire idea but would everyone please shut up about animal cruelty... it's totally pathetic.
Why are so many people in England so tragically overconcerned with the welfare of animals?
Tom, London,
Gosh - what a negative reaction!!!
If it's a failure, then corporate america takes the hit, if it's a success then everyone wins. What's wrong with that?
As for cultural insensitivity - balderdash. I can't abide Disney(fication) but kids everywhere love it. Just accept it.
Claire, Hertfordshire, UK
Disneyworld Paris almost went broke soon after the startup.
Imagine what happens in Bagdad: entertainment for militia and G-I's?
A.Stuijt, ELST, The Netherlands
I have to say, this is one of the most stupidist ideas I've heard.
What is the point of setting up Disneyland in Baghdad?
For a start, almost everyone there and around there is too poor to even afford to go there. Making it cheaper might help, but only a little.
Douglas (14), Perth, Scotland
Go for it Werner! I wish you the best of luck!
Laura, Santander, Spain
This is the most ludicrous thing i've ever heard, and glaring proof that the US is the most jingoistic, culturally chauvinistic country in the world. This is an insult to the dignity of the Iraqi people, and all they have suffered at the hands of the US gov't. Shame on Mr. Werner...
J. Brandon Loberg, San Francisco,
A joke, yes? Peace through skateboards? What next, surfing the Euphrates?
daniel molitor, pasadena, usa
And 1 more thing...Ride and Show, Inc. did not "develop" Disneyland. The company was incorporated in 1984. Some of the principals worked on Disney projects, but as the original Disneyland opened nearly 30 years earlier, it's a bit of stretch to say they had a hand in it. Nice journalism there, guys.
daniel molitor, pasadena, usa
Why are we doing this? Why are we making Iraq such a great place for development, when public bridges over the Mississippi River are collapsing? Why is our government more interested in building a better Iraq & Afghanistan, and not a better America? Why is Iraq the world's biggest welfare state?
Nate, Sacramento, California, USA
I can't think of a bigger insult to the people of Iraq
Brian, Oxford,
"U.S. taxpayers have been forced to fork over 1-3 trillion dollars, and 4,000 brave Americans have lost their lives, in order to open up investment opportunities for Bu$hCO, the military-industrial complex, Big Oil, and Corporate America?" Um, yes. Bummer. The business of America is business.
John, Benson, AZ, USA
I think it's a great idea! Why are Brits so pessimistic and grumpy all the time?
Jan Miller, Atlanta, GA, USA
If I understand right, the development of this park will close the only main public park currently open in Baghdad. Assuming this new park will not open for at least three years, and will not be free when it does, whose children exactly will this bring relief to- in the interim and after it opens?
Emilie G., New York City, US
Despite US media censorship, I understand that the Iraqis don't want our troops there. Why would they want an American theme park? Also, it is idiotic and cruel to bring more animals to a war zone when they could have similar fates to their predecessors.
Molly, Austin, TX, USA
I think it is wonderful that someone finally stopped to think of all those poor children and all the horror they have gone through. This will not fix what has happened, but a smile on Iraqi childrens faces is sure a great start!
Mark, Carmel, USA
I think its a great idea. Kids need to have something to do or they get into trouble...
Debbie, pasadena, usa
This new amusement park will be body bombed until it closes.
K. Conradt, Tucson, USA
What is wrong with you people? Obviously, you have never been to DisneyWorld. It is not "American Style", it is a reflection of life around the world. If you would have been at DisneyWorld, you would have seen that many of the visitors are from other countries - it has universal appeal!!!
Scott G, Phoenix, Arizona
They said that a Disneyland in France and Japan would never make it...American culture, it is everywhere and growing. It might be the weeds in the garden, but last time I checked those darn weeds are everywhere. If nobody had realised its all about profit. Capitolism is Iraq's best opportunity.
Chris, Green Cove Springs , USA
Is this a modern example of 'Bread and Circuses'?
Charlote Peters Rock, Knutsford, England
Not content with causing death, destruction, mayhem, refugees, infrastructural, environmental and ecological damage, the US plans to foul up Iraq with its own brand of trash and colonialism. This is such a sick joke.
Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan
Here's how the first board meeting would have gone:
"Ok, so here's my idea-Building an American style theme park in a country that hates Americans! Whaddaya think?"
"I think it's the best one yet!"
What do they think will happen? They'll trash it. It's like they're forcing America on them.
Laura, York,
Good Lord people,its called the free market. It doesn't matter if you'll never ride the rides in this amusement park, private money is being poured into Baghdad which will create jobs, revenue and taxes. Guess what, that taxable income does more long-term good that American dollars in infrastucture
Jared, Oxford, Mississippi
They never tell us what the theme of this theme park will be. And with no working infrastructure, how do they propose to get the park up and running? Theme parks use a tremendous amount of electricity.
It would have to be more than a skate park and zoo for R&S Engineering to be working on it.
Andrea, Los Angeles, USA
Theme Parks! UGH! People, people, people. What a sad state of affairs. I wonder , where are the wealthy entrepreneurs who want to build schools and gymnasiums in Iraq? Hmm then people would be , lets see, smart and built. no no no don't want that. Lets make them fat on park food just like us.
Harry, boston, USA
They're bringing Capitalist consumerism to Iraw in it's rawest, most disgusting, most obvious form: Disney. Anyone who calls this progress really needs to read a history book or two.
Sarah, London, UK
Oh How Wonderful exactly what the people of Iraq need now - Cruelty to Animals
William Hudson, Hastings, East Sussex
Public Works are great, but the only way to beat extremism is to remove thier crop of recruits. This is a great way to draw desperate Iraqi kids away from fanatic crimminal groups, and into a productive society, in which they have a stake in the gains, and a reason to work rather than fight.
Lucas Wright, Halifax, Canada
Iraq has the potential of becoming the economic, political, and technological center of gravity in the middle east, if not half the globe. Once the other half discovers Iraq's potential, we'll we'll say, "Katie! Bar the door!" Yeah Disney!
Jay, Newport Beach, CA, United States of America
Personally, I view the sign of non-essential commercial investment as a very positive step in the rebuilding process.
Of course, I am more interested in Iraq becoming a stable state than proving George Bush wrong.
Ken, Irvine, CA, USA
Great idea, if it can be kept relatively safe. (That is, no more dangerous than ordinary life in Baghdad already is.)
When there's an attractive alternative to martyrdom, people start getting tired of war. Faced with "Skate or die," some people are eventually going to choose "skate."
Thomas Eastmond, Newport Beach, USA
Why aren't the rich neighbors like saudi arabia or Dubai assisting their arab brothers?
jeffreyp, boynton beach, usa
This article made me cry--God bless this man and his firm.
Rudy Salazar, Fullerton, Ca, US
After nearly 20 years of sanctions and war, one third of Iraqis are illiterate (at the end of the 1980s, nearly everyone could read); 4m Iraqis have been displaced by the violence; malnutrition rates in Iraqi children under 5 doubled after the US invasion. Solution: no, not a vast amusement park.
Rachel Mawhood, London, UK
i think it's great. admirable. hopeful. strange how you all are critical of fun, hope, family, but accept brutal dictators & barbaric gang warfare. the leers, jeers, sneers are unbelievable. how does brutality dictate humanity? I know, when good men do nothing. or whiners limit any chance of hope.
Ron S, Hollywood, CA, USA
Why not invest in building projects in Iraq? If this project works thousands of Iraqi's are employed, and kids are given something to do. And if it doesn't, then this investor is out the money. Entertainment can be a great morale boost and economic stimulus, as Hollywood learned in the 1930s.
Jessica, Bellflower, CA, USA
Have to give the man credit for optimism. I hope this project works out.
Jason, Lincoln, NE, USA
First come the tanks, then the bibles, then the theme parks..
Owen, London, UK
No wonder they hate us. Next, McDonald's Golden Arches?
Tom Amos, Bellefonte, USA
I'll leave it to the folks with high IQs to risk a ride on the green zone rollarcoaster. This is a 'smart' way of using up some of those missing millions that were meant to rebuild the country.
kevin, Lincoln, UK
No security, utilities or government. Yes, Disneyland is the answer.
buck, irvine, USA
Crazy. Reinstate a zoo (which previously had to be abandoned- to the suffering & death of its inhabitants): just what animals & Iraqis need. What will happen to the animals next time there's trouble? Good point Seal: "You want the people of Iraq to get a good morale boost? Invest in their infrastruc
Margaret, Royston, England
So, U.S. taxpayers have been forced to fork over a half a trillion dollars, and 4,000 brave Americans have lost their lives, in order to open up investment opportunities for greedy developers? I'm madder than hell and I'm sick and tired of taking it!!!!
D. E. Adams, Seattle, WA, USA
I think it's just wonderful that Walt Disney decided to build his new amusement land in Iraq!
Ricky Ree, Chicago, USA
Trust an American to come up with a mickey mouse plan!What a goofy idea!He must be living in sheer fantasialand.(groan)On a serious note I sincerely wish the zoo does not re-open.The animals do not deserve to be put through such horrors as bombings/hunger in an environment that is clearly unstable.
klein short, manchester, uk
The insanity of this idea actually makes a good slogan: Disney's House of Horrors. The only amusement park in the world where the rides actually blow up!
Needless to say, they aren't going to make much of a return on investment any time in the near future. Like Carl said: target practice.
Davis Lane, Atlanta, GA, US
To be sure, if I were Iraqi, I would try to burn down any zoo built by people who were responsible for the ripping apart of my country. I believe Mr Brinkley is living with the delusion that Iraqis can be helped by Americans. Perhaps Mr. Brinkley can set up a fund to help the survivors of war eat.
Krista Cole, Austin, TX., USA
Kudos to Mr. Werner. The faster this type of project starts the better for Iraq. People thought Walt Disney was crazy too 50 years ago.
Vince Daly, Ridgefield, USA
To correct a point made earlier, this is not Disney funding the project. The design work is being done by the architects who did Disneyland...big difference.
Second, this park would take 3-5 years to build, so just because there is violence today (though diminished) does not rule this project out
Matt, Boston, USE
I think this is great.
Any chance Disney would send Rosie O'Donnell there (as a zoo animal)?
How about Dick Durbin and Harry Reid? They could be in the Haunted House.
Andy, Malvern, PA, USA
Please read the story -- the Walt Disney company is not involved in this project. The editor put "Disneyland" in quotes
Marlene, Alexandria. VA , USA
I feel the need to respond to the previous post - this will definately be a morale boost as well as a good sign for the economy. If businesses see that an entertainment park (of all things) is viable in Baghdad, they will want to come here, too. They will bring $ and jobs with them. Good for all.
Harrison Hunt, Baghdad, Iraq
Are you crazy? The Green Zone gets hit with attacks and has 24/7 high speed security around it.
You might as well paint a target on the center of this thing as it is an object of Western influence that will be targeted very hard.
Run, don't walk past this park, folks!
Carl Mathews, Hawaii, USA
When insurgents are already willing to target children and schools, why in the world would they leave this place alone? They are proud of children who martyr themselves, and already target other western built helpful things such as power and water utilities. Why would this be any different?
Teddy, St. Louis, USA
And people thought I was joking when I stated months ago that Disney was looking at Baghdad as an excellent venue for a new amusement park. Now you know....I had the vision, they acted on it!
Wonder if Disney will give a "Iraq resident" discount?
Mister G, Lutz, USA
The pirates of the Caribbean ride will use real cannons.
Rob G, San Antonio, TX, USA/MD
As much as I would love to see an amusement park the next time I "visit" Iraq, and as much as I would like to visit Iraq someday as a tourist, how about getting our priorities straight. You want the people of Iraq to get a good morale boost? Invest more in their infrastructure.
Robbie Seal, Evans, GA, US