The Nikolaev zoo is said to be the most beautiful in Ukraine and possibly all of Europe. The animals live in conditions fit for a human. The zoo's most famous attraction are its Russian Bears, which stand over 8 feet tall and weigh nearly a ton.

Don't let size fool you, these creatures and some of the kindest on earth. At worst, one might lick you to death. So tame are these bears that visitors allow their children to enter the cages and play! In over 60 years of operation, there has not been a single injury, not even a scratch.