Deserved rest

Today Valentyna Makarivna Yakunina, our employee – record holder on duration of term of work in the zoo went on the deserved rest. Valentyna Makarivna worked in Mykolaiv Zoo for 53 years! To date, this is an absolute record among our employees.

Valentyna Makarivna came to work at Mykolaiv Zoo as a 19-year-old girl in 1968. She was employed in the position of the head of the young naturalists group. In 1972, Valentyna Makarivna was transferred to the position of zootechnician on feeds, and since 1977 she worked as the head of the section of carnivores. Exactly in this subdivision of the zoo, which was later renamed the department of carnivorous animals, Valentyna Makarivna Yakunina worked for several decades.

Thanks to her personal contribution and daily hard work, the zoo received offspring from many rare species of carnivores. Especially she showed her organizational skills and ability to overcome unusual situations when the zoo moved into the premises of the new territory. For many years, Valentyna Makarivna cared for the carnivores under her wardship, was the organizer of various activities to improve the conditions of their keeping, feeding and treatment.

Valentyna Makarivna Yakunina is a highly qualified specialist, a skilled team leader, a good mentor for young people.

We wish you, Valentyna Makarivna, long life, good health and harmony in the family! Thank you for your work, for your experience, for your optimism! Don't forget us!