Step into the Journey of Russia's Uncommon Tourist Attraction: The Ostrich Farm!
Tourists Start Visiting Strass Farm Located in Tbilisi District
Nestled in the heart of Krasnodar Krai, this extraordinary ostrich farm has left the hidden corners of production behind, evolving into a must-visit destination for animal enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Thanks to a federal "Agrotourism" grant, this once closed production has opened its doors to the public.
Anton Bystritskiy, the mastermind behind the farm, shares insights about the now seemingly commonplace ostriches roaming the southern countryside. "These birds have made their homes in Russia for three decades and have adapted to our climatic quirks – the warm summers and the winter chill," he explains. Intriguingly, ostriches, weighing up to 150 kg and reaching staggering heights of 2.5 meters, are no longer considered exotic in these parts.
Ostrich eggs, as large as a kilogram, boast the equivalent bulk of 20 chicken or 100 quail eggs. Incubated over 40 days, these eggs bore chicks indistinguishable in their early days, sporting a fluffy appearance. A year passes before gender becomes apparent.
The farm's patriarch, Gennady Bystritskiy, delves into the motivations behind the tourism venture. "We dipped our toes into the uncharted waters of the unknown. We yearned for something distinctive, something exceptional. Now, we harbor expertise in raising these fascinating creatures, from egg to maturity," he says.
The farm has experienced a renaissance, with recreational infrastructure blooming in the form of an orchard teeming with figs, 9,000 lavender bushes from Crimea, and a pond brimming with Japanese koi fish. The café, a delightful addition, serves delectable treats for visitors to savor.
Yevgeny Ovsienko, head of the department for small-scale farming and rural territory development in the Kuban Ministry of Agriculture, expresses optimism. "I firmly believe that this one-of-a-kind farm will draw visitors not just from Krasnodar Krai but from across the vast expanse of Russia," he enthuses.
After a leisurely family outing, visitors can browse the farm store, where you can purchase an array of commodities, such as meat, eggs, feathers, and leather goods.
Another intriguing spot to explore nearby is the unlicensed "contact zoo" discovered in Gelendzhik.
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Despite the shift in focus from production to tourism, ostriches, once exotic, are now a common sight in the southern Russian countryside. visitors can combine their journey to the Ostrich Farm with home-and-garden exploration, as the farm boasts an orchard, lavender bushes, and a pond full of koi fish. Furthermore, travelers can extend their trip to discover other unique attractions, such as the unlicensed "contact zoo" in Gelendzhik.
