Museum of Nature and Ecology

The Museum of Nature and Ecology is a structural subdivision of the West Kazakhstan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore. Its mission is to provide scientific and educational insights into the natural wealth, ecosystems, and wildlife of the region.

The origins of the museum date back to the mid-19th century. Its foundation traces to 1852, when naturalist Grigory Semyonovich Karelin began collecting rare natural specimens related to the history of the region at the Urals Military School. In his writings, he mentions seeing fossils of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, and deer with saber-like fangs in the Urals Museum. These references confirm that the natural-historical exhibits are valuable artifacts dating back to ancient times. The museum's activities align with the objectives of governmental and public organizations in protecting the environment, fostering a respectful attitude toward nature, and promoting ecological awareness. Its exhibition and educational work helps develop ecological consciousness and love for the native land's nature.

The museum's exhibits are housed in three halls:

The first hall presents the lives and work of scientists who studied the region, local mineral resources, and the diversity of the animal world. It features educational materials and interactive exhibitions.

The second hall is dedicated to the natural zone of the Northern Caspian region. The exhibition includes 30,000 to 40,000 species of insects. The “Steppe” diorama displays taxidermy specimens of steppe wildlife such as the mole rat, steppe eagle, and saiga antelope.

The third hall is arranged as a “Forest” diorama. It showcases large forest animals such as the elk, roe deer, badger, lynx, and fox. The realistic presentation of natural habitats creates an immersive effect, giving visitors the sense of being in a natural environment.

An important part of the museum's collection includes fish species found in the Caspian water bodies, such as sturgeon, beluga, sterlet, stickleback, and carp. There is also a special section dedicated to rare and endangered species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The museum’s collection comprises approximately 11,973 items. This collection provides a comprehensive representation of the region's biological diversity and natural features.

The Museum of Nature and Ecology is a cultural institution that plays an important role in scientific education, environmental awareness, and fostering ecological culture.