Mykolaiv Zoo has begun active preparations for celebrating its 125th anniversary. Despite the war, shelling, difficulties with keeping the animals and providing them with heat, food, and water, we have decided that this milestone must be celebrated. It is important to once again remind the public about our zoo and its role as both a cultural and nature conservation institution. It is necessary to support our employees, who did not leave their posts during these difficult times and did not abandon the animals, by recognizing the important work they have done.
We have entered our jubilee year! The Department of Culture and Cultural Heritage Protection of the Mykolaiv City Council has declared 2026 the Year of Mykolaiv Zoo. We have also been included in the official register of anniversary dates approved by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. In addition, the city authorities have appealed to the National Bank of Ukraine to produce an anniversary coin and to Ukrposhta to issue an anniversary postage stamp.
Mykolaiv Zoo has already published a jubilee edition of the book “125 Years of Love for Animals”, dedicated to our history – the history of challenges and achievements, victories and tragedies, success and trials. In this new book, we have examined the history of Mykolaiv Zoo from a new perspective, through the prism of time and from the vantage point of our modern experience. It describes how approaches to animal care and people’s attitudes toward the animal world have evolved over the years.
A special honorary award, “Star of Mykolaiv Zoo,” has also been created. The award was produced by the company “Heroldmaster” (Kyiv). Each award has a serial number and an official certificate. These distinctions will be presented to zoo employees who have made a significant contribution to the development of Mykolaiv Zoo and to the zoo community as a whole.
In 2026, Mykolaiv Zoo and the Mykolaiv Regional Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Youth are organizing a children’s scientific research competition named after Mykola Leontovych, the founder of Mykolaiv Zoo, dedicated to the zoo’s 125th anniversary. Participants may include members of the zoo’s young biologists club, ecological and naturalistic centers, school scientific societies, extracurricular organizations, and individual young researchers of school age.
Mykolaiv Zoo and the Mykolaiv Children’s Art School are also holding an art competition dedicated to the zoo’s 125th anniversary. Its title, “From Dream to Reality,” reflects the creative process of turning children’s dreams into reality and building a desired, bright, and peaceful future.
Information about these competitions can be found on our social media pages and on the zoo’s website. The results of the children’s scientific research and art competitions are planned to be announced in September 2026.
A celebration for zoo staff is planned for April 2026.
In May 2026, a conference of zoo professionals from across Ukraine will be held, dedicated to our anniversary.
At the end of May 2026, we plan to organize a festive concert program for our visitors and provide free admission for children to Mykolaiv Zoo.
Mykolaiv Zoo is a beloved place for many residents of Mykolaiv and our guests. It attracts people and, through communication with nature, helps heal their souls. We hope that our friends, visitors, and followers will join us in celebrating the 125th anniversary of our beloved zoo!
We also invite everyone interested to take part in celebrating our jubilee and use this occasion to promote their businesses during the festive events (your advertising can be placed on the territory of the zoo).
