Scientific work at Kharkiv Zoo
In addition to sightseeing and thematic excursions, lectures, children’s conferences, individual and group competitions and quests, including events for people with special educational needs, are regularly held on the territory of the zoo. Great attention is paid to clarifying the features of modern zoos and their contribution to enlightenment and nature conservation. In addition, the zoo is traditionally a place of practical classes for students of specialized faculties of Kharkiv universities, as well as pupils of Kharkiv branch of the Mala Academy of Sciences.
Since 1925, a group of young biologists named after M. P. Ewald has been working at the base of the zoo. House of young people, where teenagers learn the basics of zoo business, biology, ecology and nature conservation. Pupils of the zoo club not only listen to theoretical courses, but also help in the care of animals (on the basis of the domesticated animals department), participate in promotions and thematic events of the zoo, engage in scientific research, go on educational trips and expeditions. The “House of Young Naturalists” educational complex, built in 2009 and reconstructed in 2021, is one of the best in Ukraine.
Educational activities did not stop even during reconstruction. Specialists of the cultural and educational department regularly visited schools, kindergartens and other institutions of the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv region with educational programs: lectures, quizzes, thematic team quests. During lockdowns and other quarantine measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic, online Zoom classes were held for organized groups.
In June-August 2022, the zoo’s specialists, in cooperation with foreign colleagues, took part in conducting scientific research on the behavior of chiroptera flying around the zoo: they studied their reaction to the sounds of explosions and sirens. A publication is being prepared based on research materials.
The leading methodologist of the cultural and educational department Yevhen Oleksandrovych Kiosya is an individual member of IZE (the international organization of zoo employees engaged in education).
Profile articles:
- Kiosya E.O. (2014) Campaign to protect nocturnal animals in Kharkiv Zoo // Collection of scientific and methodical articles of Kharkiv Zoo
- Kiosya E. O. (2014) Methodical recommendations for creating multimedia presentations // Collection of scientific and methodical articles of Kharkiv Zoo
- Kiosya E. O. (2022) “Zoos of Ukraine in conditions of war” / electronic resource, access mode: http://www.orbital.kh.ua/?p=974