Mykolaiv Zoo suffered a heavy loss – on May 25, 2025, Vira Pavlivna Zhuravlyova, deputy head of the department of ungulates and proboscidean, died. Vira Pavlivna devoted her whole life to the zoo, having worked there for more than 50 years.
Vira Pavlivna Zhuravlyova began her career in 1974 at Mykolaiv Zoo as a worker caring for carnivorous animals. She came to the zoo as a 17-year-old girl and worked here all her life.
From May 14, 1980, she was appointed to the position of zootechnician for feed in the feeding section, and from May 5, 1982 – to the position of zootechnician for live feed. While working at the zoo, Vira Pavlivna received a higher education, graduating from the Kherson Agricultural Institute in 1982 with a degree in zootechnics. Since May 7, 1983, Vira Pavlivna has headed such a large and important structural unit as the department of ungulates.
Over the years of work at the zoo, Vira Pavlivna has established herself as a highly qualified and experienced specialist, a skillful manager. She is the author of scientific developments, participated in 8 international conferences, exchanging knowledge and experience with colleagues from other zoos. Vira Pavlivna has made a significant contribution to the breeding and preservation of rare and endangered animals, many of which were bred here for the first time in Ukraine.
Vira Pavlivna Zhuravlyova was awarded the honorary distinction of Mykolaiv Zoo – the Order of Mykola Leontovych. In 2024, for many years of fruitful work at the zoo, for a significant personal contribution to the development of the natural reserve business of Ukraine in the field of preserving wild fauna from extinction and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of work at Mykolaiv Zoo, she was awarded the Honorary Award of the Mykolaiv Mayor "For Services to the City of Mykolaiv". Vira Pavlivna was one of the most experienced specialists at Mykolaiv Zoo, a sensitive leader and mentor, a devoted professional in her field. She will forever remain in our hearts and in our memory!
