The visit took place within the programme of the World Open Foundation for Animal Rehabilitation and Reintroduction (WOFARR) for professional development and the exchange of experience between zoos of Ukraine.
Odessa residents were able to see new expositions and projects in the Social and Humanitarian Multi-Complex. In addition to it, the visit schedule provided the exchange of experience at a joint conference, the presentation of the Odessa zoo for the Feldman Ecopark’s guests and visit of other nature protection locations of the Kharkiv oblast, as well.
According to the director of the Odessa zoo Igor Belyakov, heading delegation, Feldman Ecopark had surprised with a large number of novelties since his last visit.
“We saw an impressive exposition of anthropoids, large land tortoises, lemurs. Here we were able to see very interesting practices on equine-assisted therapy, and animal assisted therapy in the general context. We want to adopt this experience. We are highly interested in decoration of a green zone, to which much attention is paid, because we carry out reconstruction of the territory. We are interested in all aspects of work. It concerns keeping of animals, breeding of different species, ecological and educational activity” — Igor Belyakov noted.
The guests not only came to study experience of colleagues, but also brought reports and presentations on directions of work of the Odessa zoo for a conference. “We have a lot of interesting developments in the ecological and educational direction, one of the most important functions of any zoo. Nature protection activities for cultivation and reintroduction of birds of prey. Regional herpetofauna and operation with it” — Igor Belyakov reported and emphasized that Odessa already waits for reciprocal delegation from Kharkiv.
Besides, it is planned to install the information stand in Feldman Ecopark, which will tell visitors about history and today’s work of the Odessa zoo.
In Feldman Ecopark are equally interested in cooperation.
“These are our friends with whom we cooperate for a long period of time and plan further cooperation. Including nature protection activity. In particular, and it is highly important, the residents of Odessa have a great experience with semiaquatic birds, birds of prey, close cooperation with reserves of the South of Ukraine. Except nature protection projects, they are interested in academic programmes. In the Odessa zoo functions a young naturalist circle, oldest in Ukraine” — the vice president of the World Open Foundation for Animal Rehabilitation and Reintroduction (WOFARR), the head of the Feldman Ecopark’s department of science and monitoring Andrii Hapchenko told.
According to him, it is planned to develop joint eco-educational and nature protection projects with colleagues from Odessa, in particular on small owls, birds of prey and amphibians. Andrii Hapchenko also noted that within the WOFARR programme for professional development and exchange of experience, Feldman Ecopark is going to accept delegations from other zoos of Ukraine and to come with reciprocal visits.
