13 October 2026
(PHOTO: Odessa Zoo/Facebook)
The Odessa Zoo owes feed suppliers 1.8 million hryvnias due to a delay in treasury payments, but all the animals are receiving their food on time and in the proper amounts.
A statement by Oksana Rutskaya , the zoo’s acting director,was posted on the Odessa City Council’s website.
The delay in treasury payments has not halted feed deliveries. According to Rutskaya, suppliers continue to work with the zoo and have agreed to wait for payment.
To confirm that the debt will be repaid, the zoo has already sent letters of guarantee to its partners. These are written assurances that payment will be made.
Currently, all animals are receiving food on time and according to established rations. According to Rutskaya, the situation is under control.
On October 12, the zoo reported that its contracts totaling 1.8 million hryvnias were stuck at the State Treasury Service. As a result, payment for feed is not reaching the suppliers.
The administration appealed to Igor Koval, the acting mayor of Odesa. It asked for help in resolving the situation so that feed would be delivered without interruption and the animals would not face the threat of starvation.
In its appeal, the zoo cited the example of Mykolaiv. According to the zoo, the mayor there signed letters of guarantee and forwarded them to suppliers, asking them not to halt deliveries. He also promised to pay off the debt once treasury payments resume.
The zoo has also appealed to large businesses, farmers, and agricultural enterprises. It is asking for assistance in the form of produce or feed.
The zoo needs grain, meat, hay, straw, fruits, and vegetables.
<span>The zoo added that it is ready to collaborate on an ongoing basis.</span>
Ірина Глухова