The Biological Museum of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (BM KazNU) was founded in 1936, as a Zoological Museum at the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology (fig. 1). The idea of organizing the Museum arose from the first years of the opening of the University’s Biological Faculty.

Exploring the history of the Museum, several stages of its development can be distinguished:
I - 1936-1948 – Opening of the Zoological Museum at the Department of Zoology;
II - 1949-1969 – Reorganization of the Zoological Museum into a Biological Museum;
III - 1970-2010 – Founding of the Biological Museum in a new educational building of the Biological Faculty;
IV - Since 2011 – Updating and optimization process.

First stage. The Zoological Museum was opened in 1936 at the Department of Vertebrate Zoology. The purpose of creating a Museum at the Faculty was to use the Museum in the educational process and research work of the faculty and students as well as to form a foundation representing the fauna of Kazakhstan.
The organizers were the teaching staff of Biological Faculty A.N. Bartenov, V.A. Dombrovsky, P.O. Isaev, A.E. Gorynin, B. Serdyuk, V.S. Bazhanov, A.S. Kosmachevsky, M.V. Pilat, V.A. Selevin, V.Ch. Dorogostaysky, V.A. Khakhlov, A.A. Yemelyanov, N.S. Litvinenko, G.Sh. Shamenov, D.A. Polyakov, N.G. Skopin, and N.P. Clay et al. (fig. 2), [1].
Professor B.A. Dombrovsky and his colleagues’ arrival from Kiev Veterinary Institute at the Department of Normal Anatomy of Farm Animals in 1929, in connection with organization of the first University of Kazakh Veterinary and Zootechnical Institute, began with his work as a Vice-Rector for Academic Work, and then a Vice-Rector for Scientific Work. Professor B.A. Dombrovsky had performed all work on the organization of educational process and scientific research at the Institute. Along with solving problems on providing the educational process with textbooks, visual aids, programs and plans, including class schedules, etc., he had immediately raised the question of opening a postgraduate course and planning research studies of the Institute teachers. As the Head of the Department of Normal Anatomy of Farm Animals, in order to optimize the educational process, he had initiated work on the creation of an Anatomical Museum at the Institute. In 1934, with the opening of Kazakh State University named after S.M. Kirov, being the Head of the Department of Vertebrate Animals Zoology and then the Department of Comparative Anatomy, Professor B.A. Dombrovsky, who had great experience in organizing the Anatomical Museum of Azvi, raised the question of creating a Zoological Museum at the Faculty of Biology. And from the first days of his work at KazSU, he began correspondence with fellow zoologists from other regions of the USSR about the possible exchange of zoological objects of Kazakhstan for species that are not typical of our region in order to form a foundation for a Museum. This correspondence was sent not only to the Zoological Museums of the Union, and Biological Stations in the Black and White Seas, but also to the TINRO in the Far East, and etc.
In 1936, the staff of Zoological Museum included 2-3 qualified specialists: A.E. Gorynin, who was a master of making stuffed animals of large animals, and B. Serdyuk, who began to create Museum collection funds. During this period, Ph.D., Associate Professor A.A. Yemelyanov, Dr. Sci. A.N. Dyakonov and Assistant G.Sh. Shamen worked in the Museum. A great contribution to the development of the Museum was made by D.L. Polyakov (Botany), N.G. Skopin (Insects), and N.P. Clay (Darwinism). Professor of Zoological Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR V.N. Schnitnikov (Leningrad), who was on an expedition tour in the Semirech'e, at the very beginning of the Museum’s organization, presented for a Museum about 26 birds and 127 mammals of Kazakhstan from their collections. The writer M. Zverev handed over 71 carcasses of birds and the future Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR A. Sludsky transferred more than 27 carcasses of various vertebrates in Kazakhstan and 1163 bird eggs to the Museum.
In 1939, the Museum acquired the herbarium of Nevadovsky mushrooms, a valuable collection in Central Asia, the European part of the USSR and exchange with foreign countries. In 1938-1939, a Scientific Conference on the Problems of Ornithology was held to optimize the Zoological Museum and to attract young scientists and schoolchildren, in which took part the following students: E.V. Gvozdev, I.K. Zworykin, K.N. Paraskiv, B.A. Beloslyudov, D.K. Paparotny, Varatululin, and Saveliev. A big role in the development and promotion of the Museum had holidays entitled «Birds’ Day», which was organized for schoolchildren.

Second phase. In 1949, according to the Order No. 48 of March 14, the Zoological Museum was reorganized into a Biological Museum with the following Departments: Invertebrate Zoology Department; Department of Vertebrate Zoology; Department of Botany; and Darwinism Department.
In 1950, the Museum displayed the following showcases: deep-sea fish, fish of Kazakhstan, game animals of Kazakhstan, and human origins. A great contribution to the further development of the Museum was made by the Head of the Department of Zoology, Professor B.A. Dombrowski. He always made sure that the Museum turned into a strong research center not only at the University, but also in the Republic. He made especially many proposals to use the Museum in the educational process; and made the Museum exist and develop for students. B.A. Dombrovsky believed that the Museum Fund of Zoological Objects should include not only Kazakhstani species, but also, if possible, land and aquatic vertebrate and invertebrate species from different regions of the USSR and adjacent countries. He was always interested in zoological expeditions in order to collect material for the Museum and training sessions.
As Ikar Borodikhin recalls, «B.A. was one of the last «bison» of the old cohort of professorship, who is now known only for his remarkable works and memoirs of contemporaries. When I entered the Biological Faculty in 1955, Dombrovsky was probably the oldest teacher. But he stood out not by his age, but by some special aristocracy, which was in his appearance, manner of conversation, encyclopedic knowledge, and even in his walk. B.A. knew seven languages, including Latin. I especially remember B.A., because, thanks to him, I was able to visit the Far East. Bronislav Aleksandrovich decided to replenish the collection of the Zoological Museum and expand the range of educational material in practical classes. That is why, the trip to the Far East was organized. The choice fell on me and my fellow student Larisa Soloninova. We drove almost blindly. We only knew that Vladivostok had the Pacific Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (TINRO). They advised to go there. Everything went the best way. We were staged at a small fishing seiner, and we were in the Sea of Japan for two or three weeks, choosing everything that interested us. And everything was in abundance (fish, crustaceans, mollusks, holothurians, ascidians, etc.). Some species of flounder were brought in 14 species. The trip was a success. Bronislav Aleksandrovich was pleased. Moreover, the trip was financed from his personal funds».
In 1965, Professor B.A. Dombrowski in correspondence with the zoologist Professor Puzanov (Odessa) decided to purchase a Museum exhibit not typical for Kazakhstan. He invested a lot of strength and finances in the acquisition of a whale (25 m long finwhale) from the Odessa Zoological Museum. During these years, Professor dreamed of seeing the Museum in a new campus, he directly participated in the design of the Biological Faculty, the Department of Zoology and the spacious Hall of Biological Museum. After coordination with the leadership of the Zoological Museum in Odessa, B.A. Dombrovsky sent on a business trip Museum Director R.I. Zainudinova and her graduate student N.F. Yefimova in order to transport the skeleton of a whale to Alma-Ata and then mount it in the new premises of the Museum of KazNU named after S.M. Kirov. We can only imagine how much labor and resources were needed to unmount the whale in the Odessa Museum, and load it into freight cars and transport, then move it to the University. Unfortunately, at that time there was no place to house this huge exhibit. Later, the fate of the whale remained a mystery and it is currently absent from our Museum. Along with this large object, the Black Sea Fish Museum was acquired for the Museum, and the Odessa Museum received several species of Kazakhstani vertebrates.
In 1968, in order to collect material for educational and scientific purposes, as well as for the Biological Museum, an expedition to the Far East was organized, in which took part M.Kh. Jumaliev, M.E. Dilmukhamedov and student A. Lily. In 1972, employees of the Department of Zoology and Ichthyology, PNLU G.M. Dukravets, Yu.A. Biryukov, I.V. Glukhovtsev, V.E. Karpov, S.S. Kobegenova, U.A. Merkulov, and R.M. Salina traveled to Primorye (Vladivostok, Nakhodka, and the Lake Khanka) to collect and replenish the educational and collection fund of the Museum of Hydrobiological and Ichthyological Material. Two trips to Kamchatka in 1980 by V.P. Mitrofanova and Yu.A. Biryukova, and in 1985 by G.M. Dukravets and Yu.A. Biryukov were also aimed at collecting ichthyological material.
An invaluable contribution to the development of the Museum Fund was made by the Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Nagime Zumalievna Khusainova, who brought zoological material from all her expeditions (the Aral, the Caspian and the Mediterranean Seas). This material is used in the educational process in laboratory classes, a large collection of which is located in the Biological Museum. M.E. Dilmukhamedov also made his contribution to the foundation of the Zoological Museum after returning from a three-year mission by invitation to teach at the University in Madagascar.

The third stage is the period of designing and organizing of a new Museum building, as well as the period of its full development. The history of Biological Museum, in its modern form and meaning, begins with the Order of the Ministry of Higher Education of the Kazakh SSR No. 626 of June 29, 1977. This Order legally approved the creation of a Category III Museum and gave the status of an Educational Auxiliary Unit of the Kazakh Order of the Banner of Labor to the State University named after S.M. Kirov.
The contribution of the University Rector, Academician O.A. Zholdasbekov, and Dean of Biology Faculty I.O. Baytulin was very important in the organization and development of Biological Museum of the University at that stage. In 1970, while designing a new campus for the University, Academician I.O. Baytulin (Dean of the Faculty of Biology from 1966 to 1975) achieved inclusion in the project for the construction of an educational building of special rooms for the future Museum. This work was carried out by Professor Maya Khazhedinovna Shigaeva, Professor, Academician, Doctor of Biological Sciences (Dean in 1975-1985). Under her chairmanship, the Museum Council was opened, which included the Heads of the Faculty Departments and leading specialists of Zoology and Botany Department [1].
In 1977 the Biological Museum was opened in the new building of the Faculty of Biology (Pavilions of Fauna and Flora). Zoologist E.F. Rodionov, employee of the Department was appointed as the first Director of the Museum. The Museum had four special halls with a total area of 1200 m2. It was planned to create about 20 Dioramas for the demonstration of landscapes, flora and fauna of Kazakhstan, as well as various zoogeographic regions of the globe.
In 1979, an Experimental Taxidermy Laboratory was created and consisted of 4 people. E.F. Rodionov was appointed as the Head of the Taxidermy Laboratory. Evald Fedorovich Rodionov was a professional zoologist, an excellent expert in the field of taxidermy, who created a rich collection of vertebrates. The great merit of E.F. Rodionov in the foundation of the Museum of Nature in the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR, which functions up today. His work in educating and training taxidermists from the Museum staff and students who continue his work is significant. Of particular note are his outstanding abilities in the field of fine arts and in-depth knowledge of nature and animal life, thanks to which there were created remarkable models for Dioramas and the Museum as a whole. Biological Museum of Al-Farabi KazNU has been remaining as a monument to the multifaceted creative personality of E.F. Rodionov and his contribution to the creation of the Biological Museum for centuries.
In 1980, work began on decorating the Biological Museum showrooms based on the thematic exposition developed by the Museum staff. The contractor was the Alma-Ata Art Works «Oner» with the cost of works for 229 thousand rubles. The deadline was scheduled for 1980-1983.
The creation and decoration of the Museum’s expositions began in 1979-1980 under the direction and with direct participation of Director L.S Baytulin and taxidermist of the highest qualification E.F. Rodionov and Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, artist K.V. Mullashev.
In 1980, the staff of the Biomuseum collected significant botanical material (1200 herbarium sheets, more than 500 species), including the «Fodder plants», and the «Technical plants».
In 1984, during the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the University, the Museum’s showroom was officially opened for teaching and public viewing. The opening of the museum was attended by state and public figures of Kazakhstan D.A. Kunaev, N.A. Nazarbayev, K.M. Auhadiev, A.A. Kulibayev (fig. 3,4).
The Dioramas of the Museum presented the natural areas of Kazakhstan, and the built-in showcases visually displayed the systematics of the animal and plant world.
The following Museum staff participated in the implementation of the project for the creation of the Biological Museum: L.S. Baytulin (Director of the Museum), E.F. Rodionov (the former Manager of the Museum and its 1st Director), B.P. Zhuiko (Head of Taxidermy Laboratory), Z.T. Sredinina - Taxidermist Artist, Sector Leaders: V. Banchenko, L. V. Ifantiev, T. Garkusha, S. Kobegenova, I. V. Khegay, V. Malinovskaya, A. Koltunov, M. Alpysbayeva Z., Chingisova R.K., Antsiferova A.A., Taxidermists: E.E. Anokhina, T. Guseva, A. Murov, S. Kokotkin, N.N. Kikimov, Leading Specialist - F.F. Karpov, Laboratory Assistants: R.F. Ilyushchenko, S. Shevyakov, A. Askarov [1, 3].
Baytullina Lydia Stepanovna had been working as a Director of the Botanical Garden of the University from 1955 to 1965 (fig. 5). After graduating from the Graduate School she was sent to the Main Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR. In 1967 she returned to the Faculty of Biology of the University and became a Junior Research Assistant at the Department of Nature Conservation and Biology Teaching Methodology.
From 1979 to 2005 she was the Director of the University's Biological Museum, becoming the organizer and inspirer of all kinds of work on the creation of the Museum’s exposition, including thematic developments, financial and material support; production of reconstruction of premises, welding and assembly and artistic design works. She conducted a huge organizational work during the design of the Museum Halls and the formation of animal and plant funds. L.S. Baytullina had found opportunities to replenish the Museum's collection at the expense of her personal contacts with private collectors, and links with Reserves and National Parks of Kazakhstan. Embodying the reality of the dream of many generations of biologists, L.S. Baytullina had achieved a harmonious combination of professional artistic skill and compliance of the presented material with the classic data of biological science.
Design, painting, graphics and sculptural groups were performed under the guidance of Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, artist K.V. Mullashev.
Mullashev Kamil Valiakhmetovich is the Kazakhstan’s «Enbek Sinirgen Kairatkeri» (the Honored Worker of Kazakhstan), Professor, Academician of the Academy of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Academy of Natural Sciences (fig. 6). In 1967 he graduated from the N.V. Gogol Art School and in 1978 the Moscow State Institute named after V.I. Surikov and studied in the class of the National Artist of the USSR T.T. Salakhov. From 1974 he began to participate in the Republican, the All-Union and International Exhibitions.
In 1981 he received the Komsomol Prize, and in 1984 he was awarded the Silver Medal of the Academy of Artists of France. In addition to the Biological Museum of KazSU, K.V. Mullashev participated in the organization of the Museum of Nature of the Almaty Reserve and a number of Museums in Astana. In 2005, the full album with his works was published in Moscow. In 2016, the outstanding artist K.V. Mullashev was awarded the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of literature and art for the series of works «Tauelsizdіkke Tartu» (Gift for Independence), dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The following persons were the Heads and Directors of the Biological Museum in different years:
1. Gorynin Alexey Efimovich worked at KazSU from 1936, and from April 21 to July 6, 1941 he was in charge of Zoological Museum.
2. In 1941-1945 the Museum was headed by A.A. Yemelyanov, and A.N.Dyakonov.
3. Valerian Semenovich Bazhanov worked at KazSU from 1937, and from May 7, 1945 to September 10, 1946 he was in charge of Zoological Museum.
4. Khakhlov Vitaly Andreevich, Doctor of Biological Sciences, from 1947 to 1951 he worked at the University, and was in charge of Zoological Museum, and then he headed the Department of Vertebrate Zoology at the Faculty of Biology.
5. From 1947-1960 the Museum was headed by G.Sh. Shamenov, R. Kasymov, V. Issyk, and A. Moskalev.
6. Zainutdinov Rufim Imamovich worked at KazSU from 1955, and from October 17, 1960 to March 1, 1966 he was in charge of the Biological Museum.
7. Arakelyants Valery Sokratovich worked at Kazakh State University from 1966, and from September 29, 1966 to October 23, 1967 he was the Head of the Museum.
8. Rodionov Evald Fedorovich worked at Kazakh State University from 1967 to 1986. From November 28, 1967 he was in charge of Zoo Museum, and from July 1, 1977 to October 2, 1979 he was the First Director of Biological Museum, and from October 3, 1979 he was the Head of the Restoration Taxidermy Workshop, where he worked until September 1986.
9. Baytullina Lidia Stepanovna was Director of Biological Museum of the University from 1979 to 2005.
10. Nadyrova Orunbube Ormanovna worked at the University since 1968, and from 2004 to 2010 she was the Director of Biological Museum.
11. Mussabekov Kylyshbai Satimbekovich, PhD, has been worked at the University since 2008. From July 28, 2008 to September 19, 2010 he was the Deputy Director of the Biological Museum, and he was Director in 2010-2016. Since September 2016, he has been transferred to the position of Chief Specialist, where he has been currently working. Under his leadership, an audit of the Museum’s Funds was conducted, electronic catalogs of vertebrate animals’ collections were prepared, new expositions dedicated to the Turanian tiger, Przhevalsky horses, selevinia, and etc. were opened. There were held five Scientific Conferences and Meetings on the activities of the Biological Museum and on the memory of scientists, who made a significant contribution to the replenishment of its stock collections. A series of articles on the Museum’s history and its collections are being published.
The Museum was given 1 category, equating it with Museums of National importance by the Order of the Ministry of Higher Education of the Kazakh SSR dated October 18, 1991, for its significant contribution to the educational process, and a large amount of educational and fund collections, and a high carrying capacity [1].

The beginning of the fourth stage and the renovation of the Museum falls on 2011 and is connected with the appointment of Rector, Academician G.M. Mutanov (fig. 7). During these years, new expositions appeared in the showroom: «The Turanian Tiger (Panthera tigris virgata Illiger, 1815) - the King of the Tugai Forests of Kazakhstan in Central Asia», «Przewalski's Horse (Equus przewalskii Poljakov, 1881)» and «A Pack of Wolves». New dioramas were created: «The History of Biological Museum», «Rodionov E.F. - One of the Founders of the Museum and Taxidermy School of Kazakhstan», «Selevinia - the Pride of Biological Museum».
In 2016, for the first time in the Museum’s history, the International Scientific and Practical Conference on the «Problems of Biodiversity Conservation in Kazakhstan and the Adjacent Territories in Nature and in Collections» was organized and held, and it was dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 80th Anniversary of the Biological Museum of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The Conference was attended by representatives of 5 states - Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, including scientists and Museum staff from 42 state and public organizations.
The Biological Museum is a research and educational center that assists in the preparation of biological specialists: Bachelors, Undergraduates and PhDs.