All of Russia knows Nikolai Drozdov. And this is not an exaggeration. "Uncle Kolya" is the favorite TV presenter of millions of Russians. His fascinating animal programs have been captivating audiences of all ages for decades. A world-renowned scientist, Nikolai Drozdov enjoys authority far beyond the borders of Russia.
From the biography of Nikolai Nikolaevich Drozdov
The future famous scientist and TV presenter was born in the capital of the USSR on June 20, 1937. His father, Nikolai Sergeevich, at one time headed the Department of Chemistry at the 2nd Moscow Medical Institute. Mom worked as a therapist in one of the capital city hospitals, was an assistant to Academician P. Lukomsky.
Drozdov's ancestors on the mother's side came from a very old noble family. Great-great-grandfather took part in the Battle of Borodino. One of the ancestors on the line of his father was known as Metropolitan Filaret - he was canonized by the Orthodox Church.
Nikolai Nikolaevich was interested in the animal world from childhood. And even at one time he wanted to become … a centaur. Little Kolya asked his father - what kind of operation would be needed to become a half horse? The question was not accidental: his father was related to the horse breeding institute. The family lived in the suburbs, there was a stud farm nearby. The windows of the house overlooked a meadow where these beautiful animals grazed. Nikolai admired the horses for a long time.
He read a lot: first of all, the boy was interested in the legends and myths of Ancient Greece. The dream of becoming a centaur is inspired by just such books. Having matured, Kolya worked part-time at the factory as a herd keeper.
After graduating from high school, Drozdov got a job at a garment factory. He first went through a period of apprenticeship and then became a skilled craftsman in menswear. Then you had to choose - go to the army or enter a university. Drozdov chose the latter and became a student at Moscow State University. He entered the Faculty of Biology. Subsequently, he underwent training at the Department of Biogeography of the Faculty of Geography of the main university of the country. And then he studied at Moscow State University as a graduate student.
The beginning of the scientific and creative career of Nikolai Drozdov
In 1968, Nikolai Nikolaevich took part in the popular TV show "In the world of animals". He was assigned to act there as a scientific advisor. The talk in the program was about the films "Black Mountain" and "Riki-Tiki-Tavi". The broadcast was a success. A few years later, in 1977, Nikolai Drozdov became the main host of this program, which he and millions of viewers loved.
At the end of the 60s, Drozdov defended his Ph. D. thesis. After that, he worked at the Faculty of Geography of Moscow State University, going from junior to senior researcher. In 1979 he became an assistant professor. Currently Nikolai Nikolaevich is a professor. For a long time he has been teaching students courses in ornithology, ecology, biogeography of the world. The main part of his teaching work is occupied by lectures.
In the early 70s, Drozdov completed an internship at the Faculty of Zoology at the National University in Canberra (Australia). He visited many areas of this country. Nikolai Nikolayevich described his journey in the wonderful book "Flight of the Boomerang".
Subsequently, the scientist visited Africa. On the "black continent" he was primarily interested in national parks. A report of the trip, along with photographs, was published in the popular magazine Nature.
Nikolay Drozdov took part in the most interesting expeditions across the territory of the Soviet Union more than once. He even climbed Elbrus. After the collapse of the great power, Drozdov took part in an expedition on the Yamal icebreaker. This time, the scientist went along the Northern Sea Route and to the North Pole.
Drozdov also has an expedition along the coast of Canada and Alaska on the Discovery ship. For several months, Nikolai Nikolaevich had a chance to stay on a UNESCO expedition to the Fiji Islands, where he, as part of a research group, studied the issues of rational use of ecosystems.
Nikolay Drozdov's awards and achievements
Nikolay Nikolaevich - Doctor of Science. He also has many awards. Among them:
- The Golden Panda;
- UNESCO Prize;
- medal named after Albert Einstein.
An asteroid is named after Nikolai Nikolaevich. The scientist was included in the list of the world's leading ecologists "Global-500". In the mid-90s, he became a member of the Academy of Russian Television. The program "In the world of animals", which Drozdov has been leading for many years, was awarded the TEFI prize. Nikolai Drozdov is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences. And these are not the only awards that have marked the work of Nikolai Nikolaevich Drozdov in the protection of nature and the environment.
The Russian scientist is the author of two hundred popular science articles. He has written two dozen books, study guides and academic textbooks. Here are just a few of his books:
- "Biogeography with the basics of ecology";
- "In the animal world";
- Deserts;
- "Keys to birds of the fauna of the USSR";
- "Ecosystems of the World".
Drozdov was the editor of a series of books about the most interesting places in Russia, which have been published since 2006 by the MCFER publishing house.
In 2003-2004, Drozdov took part in the TV show "The Last Hero". Viewers enjoyed following the adventures of their favorite TV presenter throughout the fourth and fifth seasons of the popular reality show.
Nikolai Nikolaevich actively advocates for the protection of the environment and wildlife. He believes that society needs to make every effort to preserve the natural habitat of birds and animals. Drozdov takes part in the work of Russian and international organizations, the purpose of which is the protection of nature. He sharply opposed deforestation in the Khimki region and supported the annexation of Crimea to the Russian Federation.
Nikolai Drozdov was married twice. The first time was during his student years. From this marriage, a daughter, Nadezhda, was born. She is now studying biology.
Drozdov's second wife, Tatyana Petrovna, teaches biology. The couple have a daughter, Elena, who works as a veterinarian.
Drozdov is not only a scientist. The versatility of his personality manifested itself in his love of music: he adores Russian folk songs. Nikolay Drozdov is a convinced vegetarian. He does not smoke or drink alcohol. He is fond of yoga. Do not mind plunging into icy water. He respects physical culture, although he understands that a bodybuilder would never have turned out from him - his physique does not allow. Nikolai Nikolaevich does not strive for records. The main thing for him is to maintain the level of health and good spirits necessary for work.
