Yakut Bull and Cow Die at Leningrad Zoo After 20 Years

The Yakut cow Sakhaya and the bull Maana died at Leningrad Zoo. Both animals lived 17 and 18 years, but age took its toll: Sakhaya had a severe form of cancer, and Maana had joint problems. This was reported on January 22 in the zoo«s Telegram channel.

Veterinarians and zoo staff did everything possible to prolong the life of the cow and bull: they spent a lot of time with them, entertained them with toys. Maana happily interacted with visitors until the end, while Sakhaya had difficulty tolerating noise, so she was provided with a separate enclosure.

Sakhaya was brought to St. Petersburg in 2007 from the Yakut zoo Orto Doydu; she loved winter and felt best in the cold. Maana arrived a year later, and staff remember his gentle and kind nature and love for antics.

«Unfortunately, nature has allotted everyone their time. Sakhaya and Maana have left us, leaving behind kind and bright memories. We sincerely sympathize with everyone who, like us, loved the Yakut cow and bull and came to the zoo to see them,» wrote the Telegram channel.

The bull Maana had a guardian, Larisa Orel, who often gave him scratchers, balls, and visited him monthly with treats. The zoo staff expressed special condolences to her.

Yakut cows are an indigenous breed with thick, long fur; the animals can withstand frosts down to -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit). Their milk is distinguished by its fat content—it can reach 9–11%. The breed is known for its hardiness, disease resistance, and ability to quickly gain weight on sparse feed.