Odesa Zoo denies businessman Sokolov bought a crocodile

Facility denies reptile sale

The Odesa Zoo has officially denied reports that businessman Vladyslav Sokolov purchased a crocodile from them. Representatives of the facility emphasised that they have not carried out any sales or disposals of these animals during the past 15–16 years.

Context of investigation and searches

Vladyslav Sokolov is named in an investigation concerning the possible misappropriation of budget funds. According to the investigation, these funds may have been stolen during the construction of shelters and protective structures for energy facilities in the Kyiv region.

During searches at the businessman's property, a terrarium containing a live animal was found. Following this, photographs of his residences began to circulate widely on social media. Sokolov published a video statement explaining the origin of the crocodile, claiming he bought it from the Odesa Zoo for $2,500.

However, the zoo's position directly contradicts these claims, as the facility did not sell crocodiles during the specified period.