Mykolaiv Zoo postage stamps sheet

The World of Wildlife on Postage Stamps: Mykolaiv Zoo

When examining the "Mykolaiv Zoo" souvenir sheet, a real kaleidoscope of colors and unique images of the animal kingdom unfolds before your eyes. The artist managed to create an extraordinarily warm, harmonious, and at the same time majestic composition, where each stamp serves as a window into the amazing world of wildlife.

The sheet features unique residents of the zoo, each possessing their own story and special charisma:

• Rothschild's Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) — a graceful giant whose towering figure adds a sense of light and height to the composition;

• Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) — a small, restless, and remarkably curious creature that brings a cozy warmth to the sheet;

• Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) — a rare and elegant predator with long legs and fiery red fur;

• Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) — the ruler of the Arctic expanses, embodying strength, endurance, and quiet majesty;

• Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) — a graceful and mysterious "cat of the mountains." It is worth highlighting that Mykolaiv Zoo is the only one in Ukraine home to this unique and rare species!

Thanks to the masterful work of the issue's author — Ukrainian illustrator Viktor Harkusha (a soldier with the call sign "Picasso") — the portraits of the animals are executed with deep respect and precision. The use of foil stamping gives the sheet a distinctive, noble luster: sun reflections in the background and refined lines emphasize the uniqueness of each resident. These are not merely images of animals — they are living emotions captured on tiny squares of paper.

A Brief History of Mykolaiv Zoo

To fully appreciate the significance of this souvenir sheet, it is worth recalling the grand journey Mykolaiv Zoo itself has taken. Founded in 1901, it is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and a true pride of Ukraine. Over its 125 years of existence, it evolved from a private aquarium collection into a large-scale, international-level scientific, educational, and conservation center. Its unique collection boasts over 400 animal species (more than 3,000 individuals!), about 190 of which are listed on the IUCN Red List.

However, the most grand and touching page of the zoo's history is being written right now. Amid Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Mykolaiv found itself on the frontline of hardships. Despite constant enemy shelling, threats to life, and disruptions in water supply, electricity, and funding, the zoo's team accomplished the impossible. These people remained by the animals' side day and night.

Thanks to their heroism, boundless dedication, and love, they managed not only to preserve the zoo itself, but also to save a unique collection of rare species. Mykolaiv Zoo continues to operate, welcome visitors, bring joy to children and adults, and offer shelter to those in need of protection. For Ukrainians, this zoo has become a true symbol of resilience, faith in life, and continuity of existence: if gardens bloom and animals live — it means life triumphs over darkness.

Technical Specifications of the Mykolaiv Zoo Stamp Issue

Below is a detailed overview of all technical and philatelic parameters of the anniversary issue presented in a descriptive text format.

General Information About the Issue:

• Issue Title: Souvenir sheet No. 231 "125. Mykolaiv Zoo"

• Issuing Country: Ukraine (JSC "Ukrposhta")

• Date of Issue: September 12, 2026 (valid for postal payment across all post offices)

• Cooperation: Issued with the support of Mykolaiv Zoo

Sheet Structure and Stamps:

• Souvenir Sheet Dimensions: 126x107 mm

• Number of Stamps in the Sheet: 5 stamps

• List of Stamps in the Sheet:

  • Stamp No. 2256 "Rothschild's Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi" (size 27.84x38.28 mm)

  • Stamp No. 2257 "Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis" (size 31.32x38.28 mm)

  • Stamp No. 2258 "Maned Wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus" (size 34.8x41.76 mm)

  • Stamp No. 2259 "Polar Bear Ursus maritimus" (size 38.28x41.76 mm)

  • Stamp No. 2260 "Snow Leopard Panthera uncia" (size 34.8x41.76 mm)

• Stamp Denomination: U (corresponds to the tariff for mailing an ordinary domestic letter weighing up to 50 grams and a postcard)

• Face Value of the Souvenir Sheet: 120.00 UAH

Authors and Print Run:

• Issue Author: Ukrainian artist-illustrator Viktor Harkusha (soldier with the call sign "Picasso")

• Souvenir Sheet Print Run: 40,000 copies

• Philatelic Accessories: First Day Cover (FDC) print run is 15,000 copies; presentation folder — 300 copies

• Cancellation: Special "First Day" postmark in Kyiv (01001) and Mykolaiv (54008, FDC postmarks No. 1061, 1062)

Printing Details:

• Printing Process: Offset printing with foil stamping

• Printer: PJSC "Polygraphic Plant 'Ukraina' for Securities Production"

The anniversary souvenir sheet "125. Mykolaiv Zoo" is a genuine masterpiece of modern Ukrainian philately. It combines high artistic mastery, sophisticated printing quality (foil stamping), and deep humanistic meaning. Such a souvenir sheet will be the pride of any topical collection ("Fauna," "Zoos of the World," "Red Book," or "History of Ukraine") and will leave warmth in the heart of everyone who touches this story