Nature Monument "Sikhote - Alin". Center of preservation and wild animals rehabilitation "Utios"
The "Sikhote - Alin" Territorial Nature Monument covers a vast area of 5,200 hectares in western foothills of the Sikhote - Alin Mountain Range and mid-stream of the Khor River. It is located in the vicinity of Kutuzovkasettlement.
The flora of this Nature Monument is characterized by a variety of 200 plant species. This number accounts for 10 % of all trees and shrubs growing in the Khabarovsk Territory.
Different relic plants indigenous to this area make it unique.
Neverelse in the world this fabulous phenomenon can be watched: South-North wild life interlacing. Southern vines (Vitis amurensis), actinidia ( Actinidia kolomikta), aralia, gin-seng, eleutherococuss, yew-tree, wild grapes, Amur cork-tree, (Phellodendron amurense), Manchurian walnuts (Juglans mandshurica) take shelter under huge cedars (Pinus koraiensis) and evergreen spruces ( Pisea ajanensis). Different trees and shrubs mingle forming a wonderful mosaic. Most plants of the 24 rare species are now in the Endangered Species Book of Russia and the Khabarovsk Territory.
The fauna of the "Sikhote - Alin" Nature Monument is as unique and diverse as its flora. There are numerous representatives of northern and southern nature. In spite of the climate severity 13 species of reptiles inhabit this mountainous land of wilderness. A viviparous lizard from the North, Lacerta vivipura and the Amur runner (Elaphe schrencki) - an endemic snake of the Russian Far East and the biggest in Russia, can be occasionally seen on the hill slopes.
In the Khor river alone there are numerous varieties of valuable fish: Hucho taimen, lenok ( Brachymystax lenok) and the Amur grayling ( Thymallus arcticus grubei).
The "Sikhote - Alin" Nature Monument provides a sanctuary as well as a breeding and feeding ground for many birds. 300 species of birds nest on the shores of the river and on its islands. Mandarin dark (Aix galericulata) is peculiar for its gorgeous coloring. White-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and osprey (Pandion haliaetus ) also inhabit this area.
Among the most common mammals found in this region are squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris), chipmunks( Tamias sibiricus), badgers (Meles meles), Siberian roes (Capreolus pygargus), brown bears (Ursus arctos). It is a natural habitat for Noble deer (Cervus nippon) and black Himalayan bears( Ursus thibetanus). Largest of the exotic carnivore is the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris). Usually this place is home to two or three tigers, other tigers visit this area occasionally.
Veritable yew-tree forest and weird rock formations on the right bank of the Khor river make this place an attraction for visitors. Following its forest paths one can make intimate contact with an area flora and fauna on foot which is a site not soon to be forgotten.
The Wild Animals Rehabilitation Center located within the boundaries of the "Sikhote - Alin" Nature Monument is one of tourists favorable haunts. It was set up in 1996 by Vladimir Kruglov, a successful tiger hunter in the past, who had captured more than 40 tigers for the zoos. Now he gives shelter to sick and wounded wild animals and their young, treating them to health and releasing into the wild. There are many animals now living in the wild which were rescued and treated by the Center staffers.
The main tourist attraction of the Center and its oldest inhabitant is the Amur tiger Lutiy (that means ‘savage beast’). The animals are kept in spacious open-air cages. Observation decks for animal viewing, photography and videotaping are available.
The Wild Animals Center runs a small hotel for 24 guests. Russian baths and a coffee shop are available. Ranger-led nature walks are provided. Souvenirs and gifts indigenous to this area are offered
Visitor Services:
Visit to the Wild Animals Rehabilitation Center includes observation, photography and videotaping of tigers, Himalayan and brown bears, Noble deer, Manchurian deer, dappled deer, lynxes, foxes, raccoons.
Nature walks through the forest and to the yew-tree grove. Visitors can hike 5 km, visit observation decks.
In the winter snow-tractor rides through the woods are offered
Horseback rides and sledding are available.
Trails for hiking in the high country.
A lodge with amenities for 24 guests.
A coffee-shop.
Tourist Information:
Group guided tours to the Wild Animals Rehabilitation Center must be arranged in advance. For information phone 8(25446) 6-23.
Fees collection on the spot in the Center’s Office.
Help preserve and protect wild life of the Sikhote - Alin for other visitors and future generations.
Disturbing or feeding wildlife is dangerous to visitors and wild animals and strictly prohibited.
Pets are not allowed on the territory of the Center.
On the territory of the Monument it is also prohibited:
automobile driving and motorcycling ;
ground fires;
camping off the backcountry camping sites;
fishing and hunting without a special permit ;
vandalism or disturbance of any plants, animals, artifacts, or any other natural resources;
environmental pollution on camping sites;
PLEASE, DO NOT:
bury refuse into the ground;
use detergents for washing dishes;
let gasoline, fuel oils and poisonous substances on the ground.
Facts to Know:
30 species of trees grow in the area.
Korean pine ( Pinus koraiensis) is the tallest, can be 5 meters in diameter. The oldest is a yew-tree, a relic plant of 1,000 years old. The smallest of all bird species - Eurasian pigmy owl, the biggest - Steller’s sea eagle. The highest rock in the Center’s vicinity is 50 meters high. Here trails for rock and ice climbing are available.
The Amur tiger is the biggest of all wild cats, reaching a length of 3 meters. A full-grown tiger weighs about 160-200 kg. At the age of 4 a litter of 1 or 4 arrives. The young stay with a tigress up to 3 years old.
The Amur tiger Lutiy, the oldest resident of the Center, when a cub, fell a victim to barbarous poachers who damaged his teeth . A unique surgery on implanting a new tooth was made in 2000. Now the tiger’s weekly diet consists of 200 kg of meet.
42 bears, 3 tigers, 8 Siberian roes, 5 foxes, 2 Manchurian deer, 2 white-tailed eagles have been treated to health and released to the wild since 1996 due to the Center’s rehabilitation activities.
The young of the wild animals live in the Center up to the age when they can be safely released into the wild, but before they might loose their inborn abilities for feeding and survival in the natural habitat. For each animal a special passport is issued.
Khabarovsk regional fund of preservation of a biological variety and rehabilitation wild animals "Utes" provides tourist services on the territory of "Sikhote - Alin" Nature Monument.
The flora of this Nature Monument is characterized by a variety of 200 plant species. This number accounts for 10 % of all trees and shrubs growing in the Khabarovsk Territory. 
In the 
The Wild Animals Rehabilitation Center located within the boundaries of the "Sikhote - Alin" Nature Monument is one of tourists favorable haunts. It was set up in 1996 by Vladimir Kruglov, a successful tiger hunter in the past, who had captured more than 40 
The Wild Animals Center runs a small hotel for 24 guests. Russian baths and a coffee shop are available. Ranger-led nature walks are provided. Souvenirs and gifts indigenous to this area are offered 
PLEASE, DO NOT:
