Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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The calendar winter has arrived in Moscow, and not only people are preparing for it, but also the inhabitants of Moscow parks under the jurisdiction of the capital Department of CultureMany animals are adapted to cold weather, but they still need human care during the cold season. Why do swans need panoramic windows in their enclosures? Why does Arseny the rabbit spend the winter in a zoologist's office? Where can you see rebellious birds? And which animals need the help of caring Muscovites in winter? Read on to find out.
Pheasants and peacocks – keep warm
Eight pheasants, a pair of swans, a peacock and three rabbits in Neskuchny Garden and other areas Gorky Park Prepared for the cold weather. Most of the animals will remain in their existing enclosures, which park staff have insulated, but the swans will be moving to their new home on Maly Golitsynsky Pond.
A pair of swans, Odette and Siegfried, are thriving. Their winter home has three bathtubs of varying sizes, heaters, lighting, ventilation, and panoramic windows. Park visitors can watch the birds through a window, and the swans themselves enjoy watching the activity outside. In the fall, we leave the door to the house open, and the birds occasionally come in to warm up, but when the frost sets in, the birds themselves are reluctant to leave their warm home. Maria Kazankina, Head of Animal Care at Gorky Park
The pheasant and peacock enclosures have been covered with reinforced plastic to protect them from rain, snow, and wind. The birds' diet now includes more protein: boiled eggs, sunflower seeds, and mealworms. The amount of grains has also increased, but fewer vegetables are being given than in summer. This diet keeps them full for a long time and helps keep them warm.
The rabbits require special attention. Although these animals are adapted to cold weather and develop a thick, warm undercoat in the fall, they are given extra hay to furnish their homes and are monitored daily. If the outside temperature approaches -20 degrees Celsius, the rabbits are temporarily moved to warm enclosures. The park's oldest long-eared inhabitant, Arseniy, spends the winter in the zoologist's office: due to his advanced age (10 years), he requires a special diet and medication.
The winter regime will remain in effect until mid-spring. In April, shortly before the traditional city cleanup day, the insulation and protective film will be removed, the enclosures will be cleaned, and they will be prepared for the warm season.
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Swan wintering under the supervision of specialists
Almost all the mute swans from Penyaginsky Pond in the landscape park have already moved to warm winter enclosures. MitinoThe largest flock of these birds in Moscow—23 individuals—lives here. They are being transferred gradually. Today, only three birds—the most unruly—are swimming on the water's surface. The pond is not yet frozen over, there's plenty of food, there's plenty of room to roam, and these swans are doing well. As soon as the weather gets colder, park staff will transfer them too.
Our swans have winter enclosures with baths, heated floors, heating, and lighting. They are located in a fenced yard. The birds can go outside if they wish. Our charges are fully equipped and will spend the entire winter in a comfortable enclosure under the supervision of specialists. After being transported from the pond, each swan is examined by a veterinarian who provides care recommendations. Their winter diet includes compound feed, beans, grains, vegetables, and vitamins. Alexander Lada, Head of the Creative and Cultural Events Department at Mitino Landscape Park
The first pair of swans appeared on Penyaginsky Pond five years ago; the birds were named Konstantin and Elena. This year, they hatched five chicksThey've now almost caught up with their parents in height, though their feathers are still baby gray. In the spring, when the ice melts, the water warms up a bit, and the air reaches 10 degrees above zero, the swans will return to the pond.
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Winter vacation in warmth
Enclosures on the territory of the ecocenter Kuzminki The shelters are now empty. All 47 of their inhabitants have moved to the shelter for the winter. Muscovy ducks, Chinese geese, pheasants, turkeys, ducks, the sheep Mittens, and the goats Vecherka and Belosnezhka have been placed in the warm rooms of the shelter. Park visitors will only be able to see them in the spring.
We send our charges to the nursery in mid-October, as the weather becomes unpredictable, and rain and frost can harm them. The animals and birds will be safe there. Before the transfer, the winter enclosures were inspected, including ventilation and humidity levels. A veterinarian will check the animals regularly. A few months in warmth and peace will help them recuperate and return in good spirits—a true vacation. Osip Tuninsky, Director of the Kuzminki Ecocenter
He emphasizes that tame animals and birds don't need help; they've been provided with good wintering conditions. He encourages concerned Muscovites to support the park's wild inhabitants during the cold weather. The eco-center regularly holds lectures and workshops where you can learn about squirrels' and birds' favorite foods, how to fill a bird feeder, and which animals need help most. You can also join environmental campaigns and donate food to the animals and birds.
Hedgehogs in the capital's natural areas have begun preparing for the cold weather.The Moscow Zoo's heat-loving inhabitants have moved into their winter enclosures.
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