Competition for the position of zoo director announced in Odesa

The Odesa Zoo will continue to operate as usual, without moving or changing its status. The city council assured that all rumors about possible changes are untrue, while the institution is preparing for a personnel upgrade of its management.

Acting Mayor Ihor Koval addressed the city residents with an official statement on the situation around the Odesa Zoo.

According to him, the institution will continue to operate as usual, without changing its status or location. The official emphasized that no transportation of animals is planned, and the zoo itself will remain on its current territory. Thus, the city authorities denied rumors of a possible reorganization or relocation of the institution.

At the same time, staff changes are expected in the zoo. Due to the expiration of the current director 's contract, the city is preparing to hold an open competition for this position.

The relevant regulations on the competition are being developed and the Supervisory Board is being formed. The main goal is to select a professional manager who will be able to effectively develop the institution, taking into account its specifics.

The city council has assured that all stages - from the creation of the Supervisory Board to the appointment of a new director - will be as open and transparent as possible with public involvement.

Recently, a scandal erupted in Odesa over the appointment of a new zoo director, who was handed over without an open competition. The decision has already raised suspicions about the possible influence of private entities and attempts to establish a monopoly.

The position of the director of the Odesa Zoo was transferred to an employee of the private structure Biopark-Nemo without a competition, a commission or an official announcement of the selection of candidates.

On April 15, Ihor Bilyakov announced the completion of his work as director of the Odesa Zoo. According to him, the contract has expired, and he is no longer in charge of the institution to which he has devoted a significant part of his life.

The ex-director also emphasized that he does not plan to completely leave his life's work. He assured that he would continue to support the Odesa Zoo and contribute to its development, even outside of his official position.

Анна Бальчінос