Askaniia-Nova, Natural reserve in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine
Askaniia-Nova is a large nature reserve with a zoological section and botanical gardens in southern Ukraine. The site contains original steppe landscapes, animal facilities, and scientific research stations.
A landowner named Friedrich Falz-Fein founded the reserve in 1898 as a personal effort to protect steppe habitat. The site later became a regional institution dedicated to environmental conservation.
The reserve serves as a living laboratory where scientific work on steppe ecology remains central to daily operations. Visitors witness ongoing efforts to understand and protect these grassland ecosystems.
The reserve is best explored on guided tours that lead through the steppe landscape and animal section. Transportation is available from nearby towns, and weekday visits generally work well for seeing the site.
The site contains one of Europe's last large pieces of untouched original steppe vegetation that has not been altered by human activity. These remaining natural grasslands offer a rare glimpse into how this landscape once looked.
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