Postage Issue: Mykolaiv Zoo

In 2026, Mykolaiv Zoo, one of the oldest in Europe, will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its founding. Its unique collection comprises over 400 species of animals (more than 3,000 individuals), of which around 190 are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Amid Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, against a backdrop of constant shelling and danger, the Mykolaiv Zoo continues to operate and welcome visitors. Despite disruptions to water supply, electricity and funding, the staff have managed to preserve not only the zoo itself but also its unique collection of animals.

The commemorative postage block features residents of the Mykolaiv Zoo: the Rothschild’s giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), a polar bear (Ursus maritimus), a Cape hyrax (Procavia capensis) and Ukraine’s only snow leopard (Panthera uncia).

The designer of the issue is Ukrainian artist and illustrator Viktor Garkusha, a soldier with the call sign ‘Picasso’.

On September 09, 2026, a new Ukrainian postage block titled "125. Mykolaiv Zoo" will be officially issued and valid for postal use nationwide.

The special First Day cancellation ceremony will take place in Kyiv, 01001 and Mykolaiv, 54008.

• Stamp block No. 231 «125. Mykolaiv Zoo»;
• Stamp No. 2256 «Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi»;
• Stamp No. 2257 «Procavia capensis»;
• Stamp No. 2258 «Chrysocyon brachyurus»;
• Stamp No. 2259 «Ursus maritimus»;
• Stamp No. 2260 «Panthera uncia»;
• Block format — 126х107 mm;
• Stamp format — 27.84х38.28 mm, 31.32х38.28 mm, 34.8х41.76 mm, 38.28х41.76 mm, 34.8х41.76 mm;
• Denomination — U;
• Stamps per block — 5;
• Print run  — 40 000 blocks, FDC — 15 000, booklets — 300;
• Printing method — offset printing, foil stamping;
• Printed by — Ukraina Printing Plant;
• This issue was created with the support of Mykolaiv Zoo;
• Artist — Garkusha V.