The inhabitants of the reserve "Askania-Nova" are moved to the winter in warm enclosures

In the biosphere reserve "Askania-Nova" began the seasonal transfer of heat-loving animals from open pens to winter rooms. With a decrease in average daily temperature, zebras, buffaloes, Asian bulls, nilgau antelopes and cannas were first moved to special antelopes.

The workers of the reserve carry out the relocation in stages to minimize stress in animals. Each type is equipped with individual pens with soft bedding, wind protection and constant access to water.

Head of the Scientific Department of the Joint Directorate of Protected Areas of Kherson Region Elena Artyukhova told Tavria that animals move from the excursion route directly to antelopniki through specially created corridors. The enclosures are carefully processed, disinfection and whitewashing are carried out.

In parallel, experts revised the diet. Stocks of wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and millet harvested from spring are mixed in strict proportions for birds and ungulates. Special attention is paid to the weight of females, as this affects the upcoming spring hotel.

Some exotic ungulates will be in the care of zootechnics for the next five months, returning to open enclosures only in the spring. Other inhabitants of the reserve adapt to the cold on their own, for example, raccoons striped changed their hair, insulated the burrows with moss and fell into a state of half-sleep before the onset of the thaw.