How to Find the HSE Crow at the Moscow Zoo

HSE University has been a patron of the raven at the Moscow Zoo since 2011. HSE Life went to the zoo to see the bird, find out how long ravens live, why they are among the smartest birds on the planet, and why HSE University decided to adopt him.

‘Ravens are extremely smart,’ says Sofia Grigorieva, keeper of the Moscow Zoo. ‘Our birds, for example, actively communicate with local crows. They have a kind of bartering system with them — the ravens hide some food, and when the crows arrive, they push pieces of food through the bars. The crows share what they found at the zoo in return.’

Alyona Surina, Manager of the Moscow Zoo's Patronship Department:

‘The patron programme is a large-scale project of the Moscow Zoo. It allows everyone to contribute to the conservation of our planet's biodiversity.

One of the zoo’s main focuses is creating artificial populations of rare and endangered species. And in this sense, patronship is a unique opportunity to get involved in this significant activity — protecting the Earth's fauna in all its diversity.

Our programme is called the ‘Friends’ Club’ for a reason: all our patrons are our great friends who often visit us and learn more about our animals. The main privilege is the opportunity to become part of the common cause and the common goal.

We are very pleased when our patrons share on their websites why they decided to join the programme and how it’s really important to take care of wildlife.’

Igor Osipov

Deputy Director, Office of Administrative Buildings

‘At the beginning of 2011, I read in the news that the Moscow Zoo is experiencing great difficulties with research funding. I realized that I could make a personal contribution to support the work of a unique research institution in Russia. I chose the raven as the object of financial assistance, since the crow is the mascot of HSE University, where I have the honor and pleasure to work.

In the following years, the university took over financial assistance to the zoo. The HSE University management considers it important and necessary to provide regular sponsorship to the Moscow Zoo.’

You can find the HSE Crow in the Moscow Zoo right behind the ‘Tree of Life’ monument at the Animal World of Russia exhibition.