Novosibirsk Zoo

Novosibirsk Zoo, located in the Zaeltzovsky district, is among the largest in Russia. It has become home to over 11,000 individuals representing more than 770 species of animals. About half of them are listed in various Red Books, and all this big family is spread over a huge territory of 63 hectares.

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Video: Novosibirsk Zoo

Contents

Highlights

The Novosibirsk Zoo has become a place that not only children, but also adults enjoy visiting. Communicating, albeit at a distance, with our lesser brothers gives an amazing opportunity to forget about problems and worries and once again find yourself in the happy land of childhood. Visitors of different ages enjoy riding on rides, taking pictures with dinosaurs, and just strolling around the park. Its symbol is one of the most magnificent and majestic representatives of the earth fauna – the snow leopard. This animal is unique in its beauty and grace, and is preserved in Siberia only in two places: Sayano-Shushensky Reserve and in Altai.

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Every year, more than one and a half million people visit the Novosibirsk Zoo. Here you can spend a wonderful time with family and friends. Those who like to dream in solitude, to merge with nature into one – everyone can find a place for this in the park. Director Rostislav Shilo expressed it very well: “Embrace a tree, talk to the sun rising from behind the horizon, caress a blade of grass, admire the animals, and the soul is sure to become easy and free.”

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Walking around the Novosibirsk Zoo, it seems that every animal, every bird, every twig on the tree and even the air is literally imbued with love not only for wildlife, but also for people. Everything is done and done here so that both animals and visitors who come to look at them feel calm and comfortable. Over the years, the zoo has changed a lot, and only for the better: there are “houses” for animals among the trees, giant dinosaurs have been installed, attractions for children have been built. In addition, the Novosibirsk Zoo has its own fountain, and there are numerous cafes on its territory.

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The best time to visit this “kingdom of beasts” is, of course, summer, but tourists are happy to come here in any season. Especially secluded and beautiful in the Novosibirsk Zoo in spring, when nature awakens from its winter sleep…

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History of the Novosibirsk Zoo

The Novosibirsk Zoo began as a small zoo. Here worked zoologist and part-time writer, a great enthusiast of his work and just a creative person Maxim Dmitrievich Zverev. Research work in the zoo was put on a high level, there was even its own zoological laboratory. In 1937, thanks to Zverev’s efforts, the zoo became home to 35 species of animals and 50 species of birds. For its development and further expansion, the authorities allocated 70 hectares of land in the Yeltsovsky Borough.

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However, the Great Patriotic War soon began, and plans to organize a full-fledged zoo were not destined to come true. During the war fever for the animals formed a zoobaza, which after the victory was transferred to Novosibirsk. The first local zoo, which occupied 0.84 hectares in the city center, was established in 1947 and was located at 15 Gogol Street. It contained a small number of animals, as the necessary number of premises was simply not available. And the living conditions of our lesser brothers did not meet the necessary conditions. The enclosures, for example, were wooden. And the trouble was not long in coming: in 1957 there was a fire. After it, the former enclosures were replaced with reinforced concrete ones.

In 1947, the Novosibirsk Zoo had 34 species of mammals and 20 species of birds. In 1960, these figures increased: a total of 104 species were already represented, and the numerical number of animals amounted to 326 individuals. Despite the fact that the zoo was small and cramped, it immediately became a local attraction, where not only Novosibirsk citizens, but also numerous guests enjoyed visiting. The only thing that was frustrating was that the start of construction of a new spacious zoo, planned for 1949, was delayed for decades.

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For the first time of existence of this institution in it changed several managers. Personnel chaos stopped only in 1969, when the director was appointed Rostislav Alexandrovich Shilo, who is permanently in charge of the zoo to date, which is nothing more or less almost half a century. Even after so many years, it is probably difficult to fully imagine and appreciate how much work was invested by this amazing man and his associates in the formation and development of the Novosibirsk Zoo. The mere fact that at first there was a shortage of fodder, animal enclosures were not heated, and pavilions were constantly being rebuilt, speaks volumes, namely that they had to go through enormous difficulties. But these sacrifices were not in vain: as the years went by, the housing of the animals improved. Surprisingly, but R. A. Shilo found time in his busy schedule and to participate in the shooting of many movies about animals. He also published books and scientific articles on the subject.

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The actual construction of the zoo in the Zaeltzovsky district of Novosibirsk began only in 1979, and then it was stopped several times due to insufficient funding. In fact, construction work began thoroughly only in 1985, and in 1993 the Novosibirsk Zoo was opened to the public. Until 1999 there were two zoos in the city. The transfer of animals from the old place to the new one was completed only in 2005.

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Novosibirsk Zoo today

The Novosibirsk Zoo is among the top 10 best zoological parks on the planet. Over 350 animal species represented there are listed in the International Red Data Book, and about 180 species are listed in the Red Data Book of Russia and many regional-level Red Data Books. The international breeding book is kept here for more than 75 species of animals, which is a very serious indicator. The Zoological Park participates in 67 international programs aimed at preserving endangered and rare species of animals, and is also a member of the Euro-Asian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the International Association of Zoos and Aquariums, participates in the International Computer Program ISIS and has submitted its candidacy for membership in the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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Once on the territory of the Novosibirsk Zoo, one immediately feels the contrast with the bustling city. Filled with greenery and flowers, the beautiful forest is like a separate world, living its own life, over which modern urbanization has no power. In order not to get lost in this world, in almost all corners there are signs and signs with tips on where to go and what places to visit. Some visitors prefer to first orient themselves on a map, while others simply go wherever they see fit. Neither of them will be disappointed: in each part of the zoo you will get acquainted with a lot of interesting animals and get useful information about them.

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On the territory of the zoo there are numerous paths among the trees and bushes. On them you can just stroll leisurely, breathing in clean forest air and enjoying the green color around. It seems that every inhabitant of a big city at least once in his life dreams to get away from his “stone jungle” and enjoy the unity with nature. Novosibirsk Zoo is one of the places that are best suited for this.

Novosibirskers, and many nonresident and even foreign tourists, come here repeatedly, and here such “regulars” have their favorite places. Children really like huge dinosaurs, “settled” practically at the entrance. They are rightfully called the calling card of the Novosibirsk Zoo, and every visitor probably has a photo to remember, made against their background. These cute, cute and funny copies of huge animals that lived on Earth about 65 million years ago have become a real decoration of the park!

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At the entrance there is also a fountain, near which is cool even in the heat, so it is not surprising that there are always a lot of people near it. Moreover, their flow does not decrease all year round. Near the fountain planted beautiful flowers, and vacationers are happy to be photographed against the background of all this splendor. Around it there are also cute cafes, where you can spend time with your children and friends.

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The real gem or, more precisely, the gems of the Novosibirsk Zoo are polar bears, named Kai and Gerda – in honor of the main characters of the famous fairy tale about the Snow Queen. They are very cheerful and cheerful, playing with tires from wheels and rattling canisters with pleasure. And how cheerfully they frolic in the sun and splash in the water – it is necessary to see! Funny bears cause an explosion of emotions in children and adults. Especially for them, to make Kai and Gerda feel at home, the zoo is equipped with a piece of distant Antarctica. There are always a lot of people near the polar bears, who enjoy watching the show organized by them, and it is almost impossible to tear oneself away from this action. Many citizens and visitors buy passes to the zoo specifically to look at the “citizens” of the cold southern continent. Even can not believe that these animals, in the natural environment so formidable, in the walls of the zoo in Novosibirsk behave very peacefully, appearing as true friends of people.

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In contrast to the enclosure with polar bears, where it is always fun and noisy, the lake of the Novosibirsk Zoo is invariably quiet and calm. It is one of the most secluded places in the territory, where you can be alone with your thoughts and indulge in relaxation. In the middle of the lake there is a gazebo where you can go and sit and admire the water surface. It is especially interesting to watch waterfowl in natural conditions. Visitors call the gazebo a miracle place where the unity of man and the water element takes place, and a place where man and nature enter into an amazing harmony.

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Residents

The Novosibirsk Zoo specializes in breeding cats and martens, so there is one of the world’s most representative collections of animals of these families. There are so many animals here that one visit is obviously not enough to get acquainted with them, so quite a few people come here for several days in a row.

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Novosibirsk residents are reverent about the inhabitants of the zoo, collect information about them and carefully preserve it. If one of the animals has a new addition to the family, this event is perceived as a real holiday. All animals are really loved here, starting with lions and tigers and finishing with bright parrots and funny monkeys. The latter, by the way, feel quite at ease in human society. They squawk their faces and even cheekily snatch cameras from those who want to shoot them for memory. I remembered a funny case when one of the orangutans threw a rope out of the cage for a visitor to tie for him some goodies and threw the rope back.

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Luxurious lions and white tigers, Caucasian and Persian leopards, and the well-known descendants of the African lion and Bengal tiger – Novosibirsk tigers – are the real pride of the zoological park. We can’t help saying that the park is home to a large number of squirrels, so accustomed to people that they climb down the trunks, let themselves be stroked and eat nuts right from the hands of visitors. Children are especially delighted and happy.

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All this magnificence might not have been if it were not for the support provided to the Novosibirsk Zoo by various city organizations. On almost every aviary you can see letters of thanks addressed to those who help to keep animals. At the same time, responsibility for the health and lives of our lesser brothers is instilled in every visitor. On the cages are posted appeals with an urgent request not to give the animals food brought with them. Unfortunately, many people ignore this simple, but very important requirement and slip various sweets into the cages. For example, bears are “treated” with chupa-chups along with sticks, without thinking that they can get stuck in the throat and kill the animal.

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How to spend time at the zoo

The Novosibirsk Zoo is not only a common home for a large number of animals, but also one of the best places for recreation and entertainment. In addition to getting acquainted with its wild inhabitants and strolling along the numerous paths, visitors are given the opportunity to race on the autodrome and ride on carousels. Young guests of the zoo can ride on the children’s railroad or in cars. About the fact that there are many different cafes in the park, we have already said a little above. We should add that their menu includes all kinds of sweets to please both children and adults. Schoolchildren are very numerous here, they often come in whole tour groups accompanied by tutors and teachers.

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One of the favorite children’s entertainment in the Novosibirsk Zoo is horseback riding – both on horseback and in a carriage. Local horses and ponies are often involved in races at the racetrack. Many adults fear that these ungulates may kick and thus injure children. There is absolutely no need to fear this, as the staff of the Novosibirsk Zoo are some of the best specialists in working with horses.

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In this wonderful corner of wildlife, a real oasis in the middle of the stone jungle of the modern city, often held festive events dedicated to a variety of animals. At them in an entertaining and informative form visitors are provided with interesting information about the inhabitants of the zoological park. All this, first of all, benefits our children, who learn to be sensitive and attentive to animals.

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Tourists to Note

The Novosibirsk Zoo in summertime is open daily from 9am to 9pm. In spring and fall it is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and in winter – from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The box office closes an hour earlier.

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The cost of one adult ticket is 300 rubles, for children aged 7 to 16 years, as well as for full-time students – 150 rubles. The same cost of a ticket for enlisted soldiers, pensioners and disabled people of the second group, as well as liquidators of the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, juvenile prisoners of concentration camps.

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Leaders of excursion groups of schoolchildren (no more than 15 people) pass free of charge. Free admission to the zoo and children under 7 years old, children from large families up to 16 years old, disabled children up to 18 years old with one escort from among parents, children from boarding schools, orphanages and orphanages, orphans, disabled people of the first group, Heroes of the Soviet Union, participants and veterans of the Great Patriotic War, Heroes of Russia and representatives of other privileged categories.

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If you wish, you can buy a monthly subscription: an adult will cost 1000 rubles, a discount – in 500 rubles. The season ticket is registered, so you can not transfer it to another person. If you present it without a passport or other identification document, the season ticket is considered invalid.

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When visiting the Novosibirsk Zoo it should be remembered that many species of animals are dangerous for visitors, so for safety reasons it is necessary to adhere to the basic rules. On the territory of the park you should observe silence. Feeding, teasing and scaring animals is strictly forbidden. Do not go behind barriers and fences, put or sit children on them – it is dangerous! It is in no way allowed to lean against the nets and bars behind which animals are kept, or to stretch your hands and feet through them. It is forbidden to touch or pet even animals that are accessible for contact, as this may cause an accident. Photographing animals is allowed, but without the use of tripods and with the flash turned off.

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Bringing or bringing pets is prohibited. Scooters, roller skates, bicycles, skateboards, gyroscooters and other electronic mobility devices should be left at home. The only exceptions are baby strollers and mobility aids designed for people with disabilities. It is forbidden to appear on the territory of the zoo in a drunken state.

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How to get there

The Novosibirsk Zoo is located at the address: 71/1 Timiryazeva Street. Its entrance is at the intersection of Planova and Zhukovsky Streets.

To the stop “Zoo” goes trolleybus number 2, departing from the stops “Circus” and “Station-Glavny”. You can get off at the “Planovaya” stop and walk along Dusi Kovalchuk Street for about 600 meters, which will take 8 to 13 minutes. If you navigate along the metro line, the nearest station to the zoo will be “Zaeltzovskaya.”

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Shuttle cab #11, departing from the stop “Pedinstitut”, goes along Krasny Prospekt to the stop “Zoo”. You can also take any form of transportation from Kalinin Square, the stop is “Planovaya.”

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