May 31. The city administration and the zoo authorities blamed poisoning of the animals as cause of the deaths, while animal rights activists accused the substandard living conditions, negligent handling and unqualified zoo administration. In 2009, a Ukrainian postage stamp was introduced to mark the 100th anniversary of the zoo. In 2020, the zoo received a full renovation to improve the life of the animals in it. In response to concerns about Russian military build up at the border, zoo director Kyrylo Trantin, began to prepare for the possibility of invasion about a week before it began. Trantin, with the advice of a zoo director in Haifa, Israel, stocked up on food supplies and materials to build additional enclosures or to repair existing ones. The zoo closed down for an indefinite amount of time following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Zookeepers said they were still keeping care of the animals inside, with about 50 staff members and about 30 family members living within the facility to care for the animals. Description The zoo occupies a territory of . According to CBC, the zoo has 2,600 animals from 328 species, including a pair of elephants. 130 different kinds of trees and bushes decorate the zoo's islands. The zoo is also a research centre, working on acclimatization of far land animals, and preserving and reproduction of rare animals, such as the Amur tigers, bisons, Przewalski's Horses and some others. The zoo has since been refurbished since 2017. Gallery References External links Kyiv Zoo Official website Zoological Garden in Kyiv - unofficial website Kyiv Info - information about the zoo Kyiv Zoo getting ready for its 100th anniversary - The Day The story about Kyiv Zoo by the site «Photo of Kyiv, Ukraine, Europe and other world» Tourist attractions in Kyiv Zoos in Ukraine Buildings and structures in Kyiv Zoos established in 1909 1909 establishments in Ukraine Prospect Beresteiskyi