Attractions of Askaniia-Nova

Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve is the oldest reserve complex in Ukraine. Founded at the end of the 19th century by Fridrikh Falts-Feyn as a private "Chapli" reserve on 500 acres of land.

Here, a large area of pristine Kovylo-Typchak steppe has been preserved in its original form - Velikiy Chapelsky pod, where herds of wild animals are freely kept. In conditions close to natural, you can see 250 species of mammals and birds from all continents. In particular, Przhevalsky's horse was saved from disappearance here. The pride of the reserve is the African kanna antelope, which was tamed. The steppe is especially beautiful during the flowering of the nightshade at the end of spring.

The complex includes a zoo (1886) with sections of hummingbirds, ostriches and ungulates, as well as a dendrological park with artificial lakes (1885), for the aric irrigation system of which Falz-Fein received a gold medal at an exhibition in Paris. 14 Polovtsian stone statues (XI-XII centuries) are collected on the territory.

The manor of Falts-Feyn has been restored.

Photo-safari excursions to the Veliky Chapelsky paddocks on minibuses or horse-drawn carriages are organized upon prior reservation (from May to September, only in dry weather).