Kiev Zoo – Conserving Thousands of Birds, Animals, Reptiles and Insects for Future Generations
The Kiev Zoo was founded in 1908 by the Nature Lovers Society. The city council of Kiev chose not finance the zoo, so it survived by means of private donations. Despite this, the admission to the zoo was free. After the revolution of 1917 the zoo was nationalized and became state property.
The Kiev Zoo is situated in the center of the city of Kiev and covers a space of 40 hectares. This makes it one of the largest and oldest zoos in Ukraine. The number of animals in the zoo amount to roughly 3500 and the selection originates from all over the world. This means that the zoo has a wonderful collection of animals on display, as well a research center were specialists work on the preservation and reproduction of rare animals such as the Amur tiger, bison, Przhevalsky horse and others.
The Kiev Zoo also comprises of birds, snakes, fishes, insects and even elephants. The area has lovely surroundings where you can appreciate over 130 kinds of trees and greenery.
Despite its impressive size today, the zoo started out with just a few animals. For a short time the zoo animals lived in the University Botanical Garden, but with each passing month the number of animals belonging to the zoo continued to grow until eventually the zoo foundation was given a larger area on the outskirts of the city.
The zoo opened to its first guests in 1914, but the Civil War and the World War challenged the zoo’s development. During World War II, the territory of the zoo was occupied by German military. After the war the animals were returned to Kiev where all the cages were restored and renovated.
The birds pavilion opened in 1970 and was measured as the largest in Europe. After the liberation of Kiev, the zoo was reconstructed and new open-air cages where used. In 1982 “Island of Animals” was constructed, separating one area from the rest of the zoo by wide ravines. This is where the tigers and lions are kept today.
In 1983, the Kiev Zoo got national status and was included on the list for natural reserve funds. In 1996 the zoo was admitted to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, bringing the Kiev Zoo even more benefits. So come and visit this amazing zoo and don’t forget to bring the children!
