The Trescun Estate of Verkhnedvinsk will open in the west of the Vitebsk region
Perhaps, even the Białowieża Forest does not boast such a giant bison as in "Lesnaya Skazka" (Forest Tale) in the Verkhnedvinsk district. True, the figure of the forest giant, like the fairy-tale "tsmok" (dragon), is made of wood here, but the other inhabitants of the mini-zoo, created by the Verkhnedvinsk forestry, are quite real. Here you can encounter a unique fallow deer buck: from November to spring, he stays near the enclosures, although no one forces him. He calmly allows people to approach him within ten meters. Another initiative of the forestry during the New Year holidays is the opening of the residence of the local Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), Verkhnedvinsky Treskun. Verkhnedvinsky Treskun awaits guests.
What wonders! Usually, upon seeing people, wild animals try to hide, but in "Lesnaya Skazka," it's the opposite. The noble deer buck Lesha immediately heads towards the fence. He waits for treats.
— Initially, we organized the mini-zoo for local children, but visitors come from all over the republic, and thanks to the visa-free regime, many residents from Latvia visit, — says Yuri Venger, the deputy head of the organization for ideological work, introducing "Lesnaya Skazka." — The total area is about 2 hectares, with only four enclosures. People like that they can feed the animals and see them up close.
Currently, there are two deer in the mini-zoo: the older one is Lesha, the young one hasn't been named yet. There are also two females. In the neighboring enclosure, there are 10 fallow deer, both males and females. And it all started with three individuals; they even reproduce in captivity. In winter, a wild buck joins them. Valery Kulachonok, the animal caretaker at the mini-zoo, with the symbol of the year.
— We feed him, — says Valery Kulachonok, the animal caretaker. — He knows that no one will harm him. He is feisty, fights with his relatives through the fence. He can also butt heads with a deer. He walks around the enclosures. We tried to lure him inside the fence; I specifically opened the gate and sprinkled grain. But he didn't go past the gate. A fox and raccoon dogs periodically visit from the forest. Bison also inhabit the areas around the town.
The animals have become so accustomed to Valery Timofeyevich that they even allow themselves to be petted. Only Lesha, during his rutting season, can be aggressive. Therefore, Valery Kulachonok has to resort to trickery. His wife or visitors feed the handsome forest dweller from one side of the enclosure, while he, the caretaker, brings hay at that time. Or he himself scatters grain along the fence, distracting its attention.
But the domestic goat, Iroquois, is of a different disposition. Handsome, but a bit lazy. High snowdrifts have accumulated in recent days, so he hasn't poked his nose out of his house. Valery Timofeevich tried to lure him out with food. It's about fifteen meters to the feeder, but he, being cunning, didn't even think about venturing into the snow. We had to clear a path. Then he deigned to come out and eat. And Iroquois is in no hurry to walk around the yard until the deer make paths in winter.
For five years, Valery Timofeevich has been taking care of the inhabitants of "Lesnaya Skazka" almost daily. He is only replaced during his vacation. He feeds all the animals once a day. How much does the zoo eat? According to the norm, 800 grams of grain per day per head is provided. It's cold now, so hay is added to keep the pets warm.
And visitors often don't know how to properly feed the animals. They throw apples whole, but they should be cut, the same applies to cabbage cores. And fresh yeast bread is also not beneficial for the forest dwellers; only rusks can be given. Rabbits, by the way, eat not only hay and grain, but also fir and pine sprigs. This is their winter vitaminization.
It's hard to resist delight when you see the long-eared symbol of the New Year. Visitors are not allowed to hold them, but a small exception was made for us. Sometimes the little ones escape through the cage bars: they are so small. By the way, the record, officially registered, rabbit jump in length is three meters. And unlike hares, they like to live in a large family.
— During the New Year's programs with the participation of Treskun Verkhnedvinsky, we organize horse riding outside the city, — shares Yuri Venger his plans. — We expect the estate to be open from December 25th; this is a joint project with the culture department of the district executive committee.
Christmas tree markets will open in the district from December 20th. Real fir and pine trees will be brought by the Verkhnedvinsky and Disnensky forestry enterprises. In Verkhnedvinsk, on December 24th and 31st, there will be an extended pre-Christmas and pre-New Year sale of food and non-food products, and catering services. Cultural institutions of the district have prepared spectacular events for children and adults: New Year's theatrical performances, shows, and folk festivals.
IN THE NEWS
The first guests are children from a social shelter
On December 15, the country residence of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) opened its doors in the Polotsk district. It is located, practically, right in the forest – on the basis of the tourism and active recreation department of the Polotsk District Center for Children and Youth. The residence will be open until January 6 inclusive, except for December 31 and January 1. Irina Gavrilchik, Director of the Polotsk District Center for Children and Youth, shares:
— We expect to receive at least two thousand visitors during these days. And the first guests will be children from the local social shelter and children from large families. After a two-year break, we are returning to the quest format. The entertainment and game event is dedicated to the search for a magic mirror. According to the script written by the staff of our center, it grants wishes, but only Baba Yaga knows about it.
Following a good tradition, there is a specially installed mailbox for letters to Ded Moroz. By December 12, the Polotsk residence had already received one hundred letters from children. New Year's master classes will be held here under the hashtag "Christmas Tree Ornament". Participants will be offered to try making decorations for the prickly beauty from felt and straw, cardboard and beads… Children and adults will have a photo session with fairy-tale characters. A pleasant surprise will be meeting the live symbol of 2023. The long-eared cute rabbit promises to be the real star of the program.
BY THE WAY
Fair Rows
539 fairs are planned in the country for the New Year and Christmas holidays, some of which started operating on December 9. And from December 17, more than 1100 Christmas tree markets will open in the regions and Minsk, the cost of a Christmas tree will range from 9 to 55 rubles. Trees up to five meters high can be found on sale, said Natalia Melnikova, head of the trade and public catering department of the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade.
To beautifully celebrate the New Year 2023, buyers are offered about two thousand types of Christmas tree decorations, souvenirs, gift sets, more than 100 types of artificial Christmas trees and pines, more than 40 types of which are of domestic production. You can also easily find carnival costumes for every taste – about 100 types are offered. Sales of the entire holiday assortment began on December 1. This year, there are over 11 thousand of them – almost two thousand more than in 2021.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by