The Zoological Museum is my favorite place in St. Petersburg to pass a few hours quietly thinking to myself. There's an incredible number of animals collected here. I read somewhere that the number of specimens is in the millions. Walking through row after row after row of beautifully taxidermied birds and other animals is strangely calming. There are a number of large, impressive animals as well, such as a whale skeleton and, of course, their famous stuffed woolly mammoth. There's an insect zoo upstairs that costs a little extra, but not much. After all, the entrance fee for students is only 50 cents. Sadly, though, the museum is looking more than a little worn down. And most of the informational placards are only in Russian and still refer to Russia as the USSR. Which is why I'm such a cheerleader for this place -- give them your business and your money! This amazing collection should be maintained for future generations!