Askania-Nova

In the year 1874, a German landowner by the name of Friedrich Falz-Fein established the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve. Even though the reserve took a terrible beating during both World Wars, devastating the landscapes, the dedication and commitment to preserve the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve, led to the slow replanting and conservation of its fauna and flora. Today, Askania-Nova is a breathtaking attraction in the Kherson Oblast of Ukraine and was named one of Ukraine’s 7 Natural Wonders in 2008.

In total, Askania-Nova covers a staggering area of thirty thousand hectares and does not only protect wildlife and birds, but endangered plant life. There are many fascinating sides to the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve. Firstly, it has a diverse landscape that consists of a virgin steppe preserve, feather grass, fescue grasses and temperate grasslands. Research is also done at Askania-Nova, allowing scientists to cultivate endangered plant species, of which there are sixteen Red Data Book species at the reserve, for reintroduction into their natural habitat and rehabilitation of vegetation. The botanical gardens are home to indigenous plants and a variety of exotics that have been collected from around the world, and have more than three hundred species of plants for visitors to marvel at.

Visitors will also be astounded at the wonderful acclimatization zoo and the great number of animals at Askania-Nova. Because of the extensive breeding projects that are undertaken by the reserve, visitors will be able to see animals such as zebras, antelopes, camels, ostriches, llamas and Przewalski’s Horses. The Przewalski’s Horses are wild horses that are in a breeding program at the reserve and live on a thirty square kilometer area. It is the largest herd of this breed that lives in captivity, and the reserve has become quite famous because of them. A large variety of bird species add color and melody to the beautiful sprawling gardens.

Visitors who wish to stay in this majestic surrounding for a few days, can book into the hotel, and hungry visitors are invited to enjoy a tasty meal at the restaurant. A horse-drawn cart is also available to explore the reserve, but no matter how visitors decide to tour this picturesque reserve, it is guaranteed to inspire and captivate everyone who visits this magnificent reserve.