Death of Rostislav Shilo, creator of one of world's finest zoos in Siberia

A former veterinary paramedic, he moved the zoo from a cramped site in the centre of Siberia's largest city to a spacious location on the outskirts of Novosibirsk  in the coniferous forest.

The zoo is recognised by Russians and internationally for its quality and is a major attraction in Novosibirsk. With more than 11,000 animals from 702 species - with 150 or so from them World Red Book - the zoo boasts almost  almost a million visitors annually, and is a noted scientific institution. 

One of the largest in Russia, it holds a world record in captive breeding programmes for endangered species. Mr Shilo was proud to run an entirely self-supporting zoo, of which he said there are only two others in the world - in Singapore and San Diego. 

He died following surgery in Israel last month. Member of the Federation Council, upper house of the Russian parliament, Nadezhda Boltenko said after his hospitalisation: 'I am in touch with him every day. He is cheerful, gets the treatment. Active as always.'

The sad news of his death was posted today by the former vice-governor of Novosibirsk region Viktor Kozodoy on Twitter.  It was confirmed by the city mayor's press secretary Artem Rogovsky. 

During his illness, the zoo was headed by Rostislav Shilo's son, Andrey. 

Rostislav Shilo was born 23 October 1940 in Iman (now Dalnerechensk) in Primorye region, in the Russian Far East. He came to the Novosibirsk Zoo in 1961, as a veterinary paramedic. 

After military service he returned to the zoo and became the head of mammal department. In 1969, Rostislav Shilo became the director of the zoo, a post he held for 48 years.

Among the zoo's biggest current projects are the construction of the first in Siberia dolphinarium and enclosure for penguins. Both projects are scheduled for 2016.