IN BRIEF

Published: December 19, 2012 (Issue # 1740)

No Zoo for Yuntolovo

ST. PETERSBURG (SPT) — City Hall has decided to cancel the construction of a new zoo in the Yuntolovo area of the city’s Primorsky district, Interfax reported, citing St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko.

Poltavchenko said the city was currently in search of an alternative site for the new zoo.

One of the options being considered is an area in the Leningrad Oblast.

The main reasons cited for the decision to abandon the Yuntolovo project ecological and geological issues in the area. The land is swampy, which could lead to problems with construction, and some experts have said the animals could become ill in such conditions, Interfax reported.

Life in the Freezer

ST. PETERSBURG (SPT) — Freezing weather is expected in St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Oblast, Pskov Oblast and the republics of Komi and Karelia this week, Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry said, Interfax reported.

The temperature in the Leningrad Oblast will drop to minus 17 degrees Celsius this week, and in some areas down to minus 22.

The Emergency Situations Ministry advises people to dress appropriately and not to stay outdoors for long periods of time. It also warns against drinking alcohol before going outside in cold weather and against leaving electrical appliances such as heaters switched on and unattended.

Condolences for U.S.

ST. PETERSBURG (SPT) — Residents of St. Petersburg left flowers, toys and candles outside the U.S. Consulate during the weekend and through the beginning of the week to express their condolences for the victims of the massacre in an American school last Friday.

“We have received many condolences from various people. They are bringing flowers, toys and candles to the building of the Consulate,” the American diplomatic mission said Monday, Interfax reported.

Twenty-six people were killed, including 20 children, as a result of the shooting in the American elementary school Sandy Hook in Newtown, Connecticut.

Bieber to Visit City

ST. PETERSBURG (SPT) — The young Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber will make his debut in Russia at the end of April as part of his “Believe” world tour, Interfax reported.

The singer is due to perform at St. Petersburg’s SKK complex on April 28 and at Moscow’s Olympiisky sports complex on April 30. He will reportedly arrive with 20 trucks full of equipment for his show.

Bieber will perform hits including “Baby,” “Boyfriend,” “One Time,” “Somebody to Love” and “Never Say Never,” the concert’s promoters said.

Bieber’s most recent album, “Believe,” (2011) topped the charts in the U.S., U.K. and Europe.

Eighteen-year-old Bieber shot to fame after videos of him singing songs by well known artists were uploaded onto the Internet.