Oleg Zubkov: The Story of the Founder of Crimean Zoos

At the beginning of the 1990s, there was no concept of a "private zoo" in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. All zoos were strictly state-owned. However, in 1996, everything changed when the "Fairytale" Zoo was established on the Crimean Peninsula by Oleg Zubkov. This phenomenon has become more common now, but the question of how profitable it is remains open. Let's take a closer look at the emergence and development of this business idea. And if you want to come up with your own business idea, we recommend reading our tips on the blog.

The "Fairytale" Zoo

The Yalta Zoo, known as the "Fairytale" Zoo, has become one of the most famous zoos in Ukraine as it pioneered a new direction in business. Maintaining a zoo with a large number of exotic animals may seem challenging.

Earning a profit from such an endeavor seemed almost impossible, but Oleg Zubkov proved otherwise. Opened in the mid-90s, the zoo has already been visited by over a million people. The success lay in the immaculate cleanliness and order of the zoo grounds, excellent care for the animals, and the aesthetically pleasing architecture that captivated every visitor.

The zoo houses over 120 species of animals, most of which can be photographed with. Visitors are allowed to feed the animals with products available for purchase at the entrance and pet them (excluding predators).

Zubkov managed to bring together all the necessary components to create a top-notch zoo. How did he start? He inquired at the Land Development and Ecology Institute if building a zoo was possible. The requirements were voiced in response. Zubkov is the kind of person who does not give up on his ideas, so after complying with all instructions, he obtained permission for construction. However, building required significant funds, which Zubkov did not have at that time. Learn about business ideas requiring minimal investment.

Challenges Zubkov Faced in Implementing His Business Idea:

- Finding architects to properly design the zoo. When the team of architects failed to meet the task, the businessman created the project himself. After extensive work and consulting various sources, Oleg Alekseevich completed his project. Showing it to a professional designer, he received minor adjustments but a positive verdict that such a zoo could be built. - Approval of the plan by the Main Architectural Council in Simferopol. Minor revisions and recommendations were made, but the council's decision was affirmative. - Zubkov was passionate about his project, so he started building the zoo before obtaining full land documentation. This led to years of struggle: attempts to demolish and close the zoo, numerous lawsuits, but eventually, in the spring of 2010, a lease agreement was obtained.

Zubkov believes he made the right decision at the time, as the zoo brought more positive aspects: the animals were comfortable and breeding, supporting their population. Visitors had the opportunity to interact and learn more about the animal world.

"Taigan" Safari Park

At the "Fairytale" Zoo, Zubkov decided not to stop, so in 2012, his second business project, "Taigan" Safari Park, was opened. The park recreates the conditions of a real safari on its premises. It is the first park of its kind in Europe.

The park is home to about a hundred lions and other big cats, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and many other animals. Good living conditions allowed the animals to reproduce, leading to a growing population. Many zoos worldwide collaborate with the "Taigan" Park, selling or exchanging animals.

This business idea became enormously successful because Zubkov invested himself in creating a unique place with no predecessors. Additionally, he loves all his animals as family members and takes great care of their future.

Unrealized Projects and Immediate Concerns

Zubkov has numerous projects he would like to bring to life, but he believes officials and bureaucracy are significant obstacles. One of the projects he planned but postponed is the "Crimean Disneyland."

Before building something new, one must take care of what exists. Lately, his parks have not been faring well. In protest, he even temporarily closed them to visitors. The businessman receives numerous proposals from various countries to relocate the zoo, but he refuses for now.

It is difficult to say what the future holds, but Oleg Zubkov is a man who has dedicated himself entirely to his work. Share the article on social media with friends; people should know about these parks as they are truly unique places.