Orto Doydu

"Orto Doydu" - the Northernmost Zoo in the World

A unique tourist ic complex "Orto Doydu" which includes a zoo and a cultural and ethnographic centre is located in 50 km from the city of Yakutsk.

Yakutia is one of those rare places of the planet where the absolute purity of nature and an amazing vafiety of flora and fauna have preserved. This land is full of contrasts: due to the sharply continental climate the oscillation amplitude of air temperature in winter and summer is very high. Almost the entire territory of the Republic lies in the zone of continuous permafrost.

The "Orto Doydu" Zoo is unique because it was the first in the world to create and successfully operate a system of keeping wild animals in captivity in the harsh conditions of the Far North.

"Orto Doydu" means 'a medial world' in Yakut, which according to the mythology of the Sakha people is inhabited by humans and animals. As the beliefs have it, the upper world is inhabited by superior beings - gods, and the bottom world is populated by devils (so called 'abasses'). That way, "Orto Doydu" is the earthly abode of all living things.

Hundreds of animals from different climatic zones can be found at the Yakut Zoo. One can see not only local but also quite exotic inhabitants here, as well as such rare redlisted species such as golden and white-tailed eagles, dappled deer, Siberian tiger, musk ox. Animals are either bought or interchanged from other zoos in Russia. Sometimes local people bring captured or rescued animals and birds. Last year, for example, Siberian and Japanese cranes,. Canada geese, as well as gruntingox, dappled deer, various reptiles and amphibians were brought to "Orto Doydu".

However, it is not so easy to keep such exotic animals.

Yakut Zoo recently held as an experiment an "Adopt a pet" program. Residents of the Republic and local businesses were offered to take guardianship of any cage dweller they liked. Those who wish may donate to the keeping of the animals in the Zoo.

Qfe-course, the costs of keeping different animals vary greatly. For example, as the Zoo workers say, the local beauty chinchilla needs a thousand and a half roubles per year and anyone can make a donation. And such big animals as Siberian tiger or reindeer are beyond means of the private benefactors. They are sponsored by Yakut companies.

In addition, the "Orto Doydu" Zoo pays great attention to the environmental education of children. The functioning of the young biologists hobby group and public events dedicated to environmental dates, contacts with mass media and with organizations of the Republic develop a responsible attitude toward nature in the younger generation.

Not far from the "Orto Doydu" Zoo the eponymous cultural and ethnographic complex is located. Visitors can relax after a walk there. There is a cosy restaurant where you can try local Yakut cuisine and even see how ethnic dishes are cooked: stroganina (slices of frozen fish or meat served with spicy sauce) and kuerchekh (whipped cream with berries).

Before meal the visitors pass a traditional'rite of purification and blessing called ''algys'. A shaman goes round the guests censing them. According to the beliefs, smoke protects against evil spirits.

The visitors of the centre can also go horse riding or shooting at the rifle range. Here you can see a reconstructed traditional Yakut summer tent - 'urasa', a ritual tethering pole - 'serge', and many other things.

The centre also plans to open a hotel and a sports complex with a swimming pool and sauna.