The Trezkun Manor in Verkhnedvinsk District will open in western Vitebsk Region.
Perhaps you will not encounter such a giant bison anywhere else than in the "Forest Fairy Tale" in the Verkhnedvinsk District, even in the Białowieża Forest. Indeed, the figure of the forest colossus, as well as that of the mythical dragon, is wooden here, whereas the other residents of the mini-zoo established by the Verkhnedvinsk Forestry Enterprise are entirely real. One can encounter a unique male fallow deer here: from November until spring it remains near the enclosures, though it is not confined by anyone. It calmly permits people to approach within ten meters. Another initiative of the forestry enterprise during the New Year period is the opening of the local Ded Moroz’s residence, Treskun of Verkhnedvinsk. Treskun of Verkhnedvinsk awaits guests.
What a wonder: normally, when wild animals spot people, they try to hide from sight, but at the "Forest Fairy Tale" it is exactly the reverse. The male red deer, Lesha, immediately heads toward the fence. It waits for treats.
— Initially, we established the mini-zoo for local youth, but visitors come from all over the republic, and due to the visa-free regime, there are many residents of Latvia, — Yuri Venger, Deputy Head for Ideological Work of the organization, presents the "Forest Fairy Tale". — The total area covers approximately 2 hectares, comprising four enclosures in total. Visitors appreciate the possibility of feeding the animals and observing them at close range.
At present, the mini-zoo houses two deer: the elder is Lesha, while the younger has not yet been given a name. Two females are also kept there. In the neighboring enclosure, there are 10 fallow deer, comprising both males and females. The project originally started with three individuals, which even reproduce in captivity. During the winter season, a free-roaming male joins them. Valery Kulachonok, animal caretaker at the mini-zoo, with the symbol of the year.
— We provide him with supplementary feed, — describes animal caretaker Valery Kulachonok. — He knows that no one will cause him harm. He is spirited and engages in sparring matches with his kind through the fence. He may also butt heads with a deer. He roams around the enclosures. We attempted to lure him inside the fenced area; I deliberately opened the gate and scattered grain. However, he did not proceed beyond the gate. Foxes and raccoon dogs occasionally visit from the forest. Bison also inhabit the surrounding areas of the city.
The animals have grown so accustomed to Valery Timofeyevich that they even permit being petted. Only Lesha may exhibit aggression during his rutting season. Consequently, Valery Kulachyonok must employ certain tactics. His wife or visitors provide supplementary feeding to the forest dweller from one side of the enclosure, while his caretaker simultaneously delivers hay. Alternatively, he himself scatters grain along the fencing to divert their attention.
The domestic goat, Irokez, however, possesses a completely different disposition. Although attractive, he is somewhat lethargic. Over recent days, significant snow accumulation has occurred, yet he remains indoors without emerging. Valery Timofeyevich attempted to lure him out using food. The feeder is located approximately fifteen meters away, but, demonstrating caution, he made no attempt to traverse the snow. A pathway consequently required clearing. Only thereafter did he emerge to feed. Furthermore, within the premises, Irokez does not readily venture out until the roe deer establish pathways through the winter snow.
For five years, Valery Timofeyevich has been providing daily care for the residents of the "Forest Fairy Tale" facility. He is relieved of duty solely during his annual leave. All animals are fed once daily. What is the daily consumption rate for the zoo? The established standard stipulates 800 grams of grain per animal per day. Due to current cold weather, hay is additionally supplied to help maintain the animals' body temperature.
Visitors frequently lack knowledge regarding proper feeding procedures. Apples are often thrown whole, whereas they should be sliced; the same applies to cabbage cores. Fresh yeast bread is likewise unsuitable for the forest inhabitants; only dried bread pieces should be offered. Notably, rabbits consume not only hay and grain but also fir and pine branches, which serve as their source of winter vitamins.
It is difficult to suppress admiration when observing these long-eared symbols of the New Year. While visitors are prohibited from handling the animals, a minor exception has been granted to our staff. Occasionally, the young animals manage to slip through the cage bars due to their diminutive size. It is worth noting that the officially recorded maximum long jump distance for a rabbit is three meters. Furthermore, unlike wild hares, domestic rabbits prefer to live in large social groups.
During New Year events featuring Treskun from Verkhnedvinsk, we will organize horseback rides outside the city, — Yuri Venger shared his plans. We anticipate that the venue will commence operations on December 25; this initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Culture Department of the District Executive Committee.
Starting December 20, Christmas tree markets will open in the district. Natural firs and pines will be supplied by the Verkhnedvinsk and Dzisna forestry enterprises. In Verkhnedvinsk, on December 24 and 31, an extended pre-Christmas and pre-New Year sale of food and non-food goods, as well as catering products, will be held. Cultural institutions of the district have prepared spectacular events for children and adults: New Year theatrical shows, plays, and folk celebrations.
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First Guests: Children from the Social Shelter
On December 15, the country residence of Ded Moroz officially opened its doors in the Polotsk district. It is situated practically within a forest area — at the facilities of the Tourism and Active Recreation Department of the Polotsk District Center for Children and Youth. The residence will operate until January 6 inclusive, with closures on December 31 and January 1. Irina Gavrilchik, Director of the Polotsk District Center for Children and Youth, notes:
— We expect to host at least two thousand visitors during this period. The first guests will be children from the local social shelter and families with many children. After a two-year break, we are returning to the quest format. The entertainment and game program is dedicated to finding a magic mirror. According to the script written by our center's staff, it grants wishes, but only Baba Yaga knows about it.
In keeping with longstanding tradition, a specially designated mailbox for letters to Ded Moroz has been installed. By December 12, the Polotsk residence had already received one hundred letters from children. New Year craft workshops will be conducted under the theme "Christmas Tree Ornament". Participants will be offered the opportunity to create decorations for the evergreen tree using felt, straw, cardboard, and beads... Both children and adults will enjoy photo sessions with fairy tale characters. Attendees will also have the chance to meet the live mascot of 2023. The charming long-eared rabbit is expected to become a true highlight of the event schedule.
BY THE WAY
Fair Stalls
In the country, 539 fairs are scheduled for the New Year and Christmas holidays, some of which began operating on December 9. Starting December 17, more than 1,100 Christmas tree markets will open in the regions and Minsk, with the price of a spruce ranging from 9 to 55 rubles. Trees up to five meters tall are available for purchase, reported Natalia Melnikova, Head of the Trade and Public Catering Department of the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade.
To welcome 2023 in style, shoppers are offered approximately two thousand varieties of Christmas decorations, souvenirs, and gift sets, more than one hundred types of artificial spruces and pines, over forty of which are domestically produced. Carnival costumes to suit any taste are also readily available, with around one hundred options on offer. Sales of the entire holiday assortment began on December 1. This year, there are more than 11,000 such promotions—almost two thousand more than in 2021.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by