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Reçu — 29 juin 2026 ⏭ Euromaidan Press
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Crimean zoo owner looted Ukraine’s crown jewel of conservation. Now he’s charged
    The Ukrainian police in the Kherson Oblast have notified a Crimean resident of suspicion in connection with the illegal removal of rare animals from the Askania-Nova biosphere reserve. The damage from the crimes exceeds $1.5 million. Officials emphasize that the transfers were not connected to any military necessity and constitute violations of international humanitarian law, as Askania-Nova is part of a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve network with protected scientifi
     
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✇Euromaidan Press

Crimean zoo owner looted Ukraine’s crown jewel of conservation. Now he’s charged

Par :Olena Mukhina
29 juin 2026 à 14:37

russian forces devastate askania-nova reserve relocate animals wild horses askania nova natural biosphere kherson oblast before russia's full-scale invasion

The Ukrainian police in the Kherson Oblast have notified a Crimean resident of suspicion in connection with the illegal removal of rare animals from the Askania-Nova biosphere reserve. The damage from the crimes exceeds $1.5 million.

Officials emphasize that the transfers were not connected to any military necessity and constitute violations of international humanitarian law, as Askania-Nova is part of a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve network with protected scientific status. The reserve included 3,000 species of rare animals – zebras, wildebeest, bison, buffalo, deer, and wild horses that lived in partial freedom, mostly without cages and fences. 

Investigators say the suspect coordinated the transfer of protected wildlife during Russia’s occupation of parts of southern Ukraine and worked in cooperation with occupation-installed reserve management structures.

 

Occupation enables trafficking

Following Russia’s seizure of parts of Kherson Oblast, the Askania-Nova biosphere reserve came under occupation control and was placed under an unlawfully appointed administration. Investigators say a 58-year-old founder of a Yalta-based zoo and lion park entered into agreements with this administration to facilitate the removal and transfer of animals.

Before Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve, established by German Friedrich Falz-Fein in 1898, was one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ukraine. It attracted visitors from all over the world with its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.

Investigators document transfers

Law enforcement agencies report at least three coordinated transport operations in 2024 that moved animals from the reserve to occupied Crimea. These operations included:

  • Three grey Ukrainian cattle valued at approximately $93,600
  • Three Chapman’s zebras valued at approximately $423,000
  • Seven additional Chapman’s zebras valued at approximately $980,000

In total, authorities say ten Chapman’s zebras and three cattle were removed, resulting in overall damages of approximately $1.5 million.

Investigators describe the case as a structured scheme involving repeated logistical coordination between the suspect and the occupation authorities.

Authorities file charges

The suspect has been charged in absentia under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, covering violations of the laws and customs of war committed in conspiracy.

The Kherson Regional Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the proceedings, while investigative actions continue to establish the full scope of involvement and additional participants.

Officials stress that Askania-Nova, one of Ukraine’s most significant conservation sites, remains protected under international humanitarian law despite occupation conditions.

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