The Association of Zoos of Ukraine expresses deep concern about the situation with the Biosphere Reserve Askania-Nova named after Friedrich von Falz-Fein of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, which has been in the occupied territory since the beginning of the offensive of the occupying forces of Russia on Ukraine.

Currently, the occupation administration of the Kherson region, after almost a year of non-interference in the activities of the institution, took control of the reserve, created a new legal entity and changed the name to Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve (removing the name Friedrich von Falz-Fein).

AZU is highly concerned about the fate of animals that have invaluable scientific value that cannot be converted into money. The unique collection of ungulates is a national treasure of Ukraine. It includes such rare or extinct species as saiga antelope, Przewalski’s horse, Père David’s deer, Turkmenian kulan, American bison etc. These animals are an invaluable gene pool for the possible restoration of their populations in their natural habitat.  

In addition to animals, the reserve has on its territory huge areas of pristine steppes, which play a major role in the study of processes that take place in the primary steppe without human intervention. Many plant species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and International Red Lists grow on these steppe areas. Groupings of many plants are included in the Green Book of Ukraine.

After subjugation to the occupation administration, the issue of financing the reserve becomes particularly acute. Until now, the reserve was financed by the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, which made budget payments, despite the occupation of the territory.

According to the Askania-Nova Director Viktor Shapoval, the institution has no salary arrears and even managed to pay salaries for March. Also, according to his information, the feed that was prepared in advance for feeding ungulates will be enough until the end of summer.

In addition, much has been done in the Askania-Nova due to the arrival of international humanitarian aid from the EU and the USA. AZU also supported the Askania-Nova financially.

But after the change of the legal entity and management of the reserve, it is impossible to predict the future fate of the institution and the animals kept on its territory. It is also impossible to predict how the staff of the reserve, who became hostage to this difficult situation, will be able to work in the new conditions. 

Zoos of Ukraine express the support to their colleagues and admire their courage and dedication to the preservation of the protected area, which is a global asset, which is confirmed by the inclusion of the reserve in the UNESCO World Heritage.

We hope that the reserve will withstand all tribulations and will soon return to work after liberation from the invaders.

Volodymyr Topchy

President of the Association of Zoos of Ukraine