As the Leningrad zoo survived the siege

The siege of Leningrad — one of the most terrible pages in the history of the city. The harsh winter of 1941-1942 completed what was begun by the forces of a ruthless enemy. It was hard on all, the people were dying of hunger and cold, seemed to get help. However, even in those terrible times there were people who, not sparing himself, trying to save poor animals of the Leningrad zoo.

1. V. K. Buryak and elephant Betty. 1932.

Of course, zoo staff before the start of the siege, tried to save unique animals. Urgently in Kazan was taken about 80 animals among which were the black Panthers, tigers, polar bears, American tapir and a huge Rhino. But all get failed.

2. The entrance to the zoo. A postal card. 1920-ies.

3. Among their charges were and the American crocodile. Unfortunately, to get it could not, because of movement he needed special conditions. Someone suggested to release the crocodile into the waters of the Western Dvina, supported this idea, and thermophilic reptile went into freefall. Its further fate was never learned.

4. The Hippo Beauty. 1935.

5. The ruins of the elephant.

6. The Lost Betty. 10 Sep 1941.

7. The ruins of the elephant. 1941.

8. Hit space bombs. 1941.

9. E. I. Dasha's Behemoth Beauties. 1943.

10. Group of camels on the background of American mountains. 1936.

11. Black vulture Vera. 1946.

12. Antelope Nilgau Lighthouse. 1946.

It is known that an adult Hippo in the day should get from 36 to 40 kg of feed. Of course, in the years of blockade and speech could not be on such a "feast". Beauty gave 4-6 kg of a mixture of herbs, vegetables and cake, adding 30 kg of the steamed chips, just to fill her stomach.

13. Playground of the young. 30 years.

Surprisingly, however, the Leningrad zoo was closed only in the winter of 1941-1942. In the spring of exhausted employees have cleared the track and repaired cages in the summer to let the first visitors. 162 animals were exhibited. Over the summer they came to see about 7400 of Leningrad, argued that the need for such peaceful enterprises in those terrible years.

14. The Staff Of Lentoid. The spring of 1945.