Khortytsia

Khortytsia has put on its winter clothes, and its beauty is a pleasure to behold. However, winter is a challenging period for the wild animals living on the island. Cold weather makes it significantly more difficult for them to survive in their natural environment, so feeding them is essential for maintaining their population. The availability of food ensures the survival of many species of wild animals in extreme winter conditions and deters animals from migrating. This preserves biodiversity in the area. When feeding wild animals, specialists from the Khortytsia National Reserve consider their natural needs and avoid creating conditions that would make the animals dependent on humans. Feeding should not replace the natural food base or interfere with instincts. The general approach is to preserve the wild environment and help animals only when necessary. Therefore, feeding does not occur constantly, but only during the most extreme conditions. Forest inhabitants need natural food and mineral salts for the development of a substantial population. Salt is the primary source of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium in the diets of most animals, including mammals, birds, invertebrates, and insects. Animals need salt to regulate fluid balance and maintain the function of cells and internal organs. Wild animals, especially herbivores, often have difficulty obtaining sufficient salt, particularly in the winter when it is scarce in plants. Since animals need salt all year round, in addition to hay and grain feed, "lickers" (salt bricks) are placed in feeders. As winter approaches, specialists from the Khortytsia National Reserve will begin feeding wild animals for the first time. These events are held with the support of the reserve's friends, UA Animals, and the Equestrian Club "Family Horse Club". The material was prepared by Mykhailo Mulenko, the head of the nature sector of the Khortytsia National Reserve.

In 2007, ordinary Ukrainians and experts spent several months determining the most significant monuments of the country within the framework of the All-Ukrainian competition, "7 Wonders of Ukraine." One hundred contenders from all Ukrainian regions competed for a spot in the final seven. According to experts—including scientists, historians, and culturologists—Khortytsia Island ranked 7th. However, Cossack Island received 1st place in an open online vote! Ukrainians, regardless of their education or status, know and feel their roots in their hearts. This is where their invincibility and strength come from — the glorious Khortytsia, the cradle of Ukrainian statehood and an eternal place of power personified by the Zaporozhzhia Cossacks. The Khortytsia National Reserve is grateful to every Ukrainian who voted, as it was an evaluation of our work and an important motivator for our team. We continue to fulfill our mission of studying and preserving the sacred island of Khortytsia and the history of the glorious Zaporozhian knights for Ukrainians.

The Vasylivka Center of the Children and Youth Movement "Baida" dedicated another day to exploring the history of Khortytsia Island and the Zaporizhzhia Cossacks. Young students and their mentors, along with the reserve guide, walked along the "Taras Shevchenko Trail" route, climbed the majestic Khortytsia rocks, and visited sites within the historical and cultural complex "Zaporozhzhia Sich." They also viewed exhibits revealing new chapters in the history of Khortytsia Island. Knowing and respecting one's land and cultural heritage is the basis for establishing national identity and patriotism. It is a point of self-awareness and gradual preparation for beginning an adult life as a responsible citizen of Ukraine.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, an exclusive lecture "Ukrainian Statehood of the 14th–15th Centuries" will be held at the "Zaporozhian Sich" historical and cultural complex. Although there was no unified Ukrainian state in the 14th–15th centuries, statehood existed as an idea and potential. Foundational processes for future statehood were underway, and a new socio-political force was emerging: the Cossacks. They would eventually become the basis of the Hetmanate. During the lecture, you will learn about this important yet little-known historical period from a famous historian (intrigue!) and guest of the Khorytsia National Reserve. The lecture begins at 11:00.   Admission to the lecture is free!   Visitors only pay for the entrance ticket to the historical and cultural complex.  

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, the historical and cultural complex "Zaporozhzhia Sich" will host a lecture "Heroes of the Zaporizhzhia", dedicated to the Day of Remembrance for the Defenders of Ukraine. The lecture will pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the struggle for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The lecture begins at 12:00 p.m. The lecturer is Oleksandr Surchenko. The honorable commemoration of fallen defenders of Ukraine is the duty of the state and society. Ukrainian heroes remain forever in the ranks alongside the nation and continue their struggle. Their feats are a testament to our gratitude and our indissoluble connection with the heroes. Admission to the event is free! Visitors only pay for the entrance ticket to the historical and cultural complex.

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Zaporizhzhya Sich historical and cultural complex on Khortytsia Island will host a "PETRYKIVKA PAINTING" master class. The event will start at 12:00. The Petrykivka painting technique is a Ukrainian national treasure. In 2013, UNESCO recognized this folk painting tradition as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Would you like to experience the colorful magic of "Petrykivka" and create your own little masterpiece? Come to our master class! It will be interesting! The event is free. You only need to pay for an entrance ticket to the historical and cultural complex.