We have very sad news: a decent, sincere, and bright person who truly lived up to her name (Svetlana, meaning "bright") has passed away. She was a great friend of our kind project.
When we invited Svetlana Sokolova, the Director of the Kaliningrad Zoo, to join the jury of the International Award "My affectionate and helpful animal" six years ago, she agreed without hesitation. Throughout six seasons, Svetlana did not just judge and evaluate. She genuinely cared for each and every nominee of the "Shaggy Oscar." She immersed herself in every single piece of work submitted to the journalists' and bloggers' contest. Competently and calmly, she defended her opinion before the organizing committee and her fellow jury members. And almost every time, she would express her frustration: why are there so unfairly few prize-winning places in each category?
It was precisely thanks to Svetlana’s enthusiasm and energy that our Award and the Kaliningrad Zoo became media partners a year ago.
She was a strong person who did not tolerate self-pity. Only those closest to her knew that Svetlana had been fighting a severe illness for a long time. Unfortunately, the illness won.
Blessed memory to you, our dear friend…