Today the zoo has suffered a great loss – Valentyna Makarivna Yakunina has passed away.
Her entire life was devoted to the zoo. Our institution stands on people like her – on their dedication and love.
Valentyna Makarivna began working at Mykolaiv Zoo in 1968, when she was only 19 years old. She was appointed as the head of the Young Naturalists Club. In 1972, she was transferred to the position of zootechnician responsible for animal feed, and in 1977 she became the head of the section of carnivorous animals. It was within this unit of the zoo, later renamed the Department of Carnivorous Animals, that V.M. Yakunina worked for several decades.
Valentyna Makarivna retired in 2021. She devoted 53 years of her life to Mykolaiv Zoo – an absolute record among our employees to this day.
Thanks to her personal contribution and daily diligent work, offspring were obtained from many rare species of carnivores. She especially demonstrated her organizational skills and ability to handle non-standard situations during the relocation of the zoo to its new territory. For many years, Valentyna Makarivna cared for the animals under her supervision and organized numerous activities aimed at improving their living conditions, feeding, and medical care.
The professionalism and personal contribution of Valentyna Makarivna to the development of Mykolaiv Zoo did not go unnoticed. She was among the first to be awarded the Order of Mykola Leontovych and received other honorary distinctions.
The staff of Mykolaiv Zoo extends its sincere condolences to the family of Valentyna Makarivna.
You will forever remain in our memory and in our hearts, dear Makarivna!
