In the XIX century the Ruddy Shelduck was regarded as a common species in Ukraine. Now it is in the Red Data Book of Ukraine and on the Berne Convention List. In 1885 it appeared in the Ascanian Zoo, and a year later there were 16 birds. Nowadays, in the summer and autumn their numbers range from 700 to 1200. The territorial centre of the population are the zoo ponds and the botanical garden, where 48–65 pairs nest. This semiwild population has been formed as a result of successive acclimatization measures: forming broods with foster parents (Tadorna ferruginea, Cairina moschata, Anas platyrhynchos), creating artificial nests, regular feeding, and the availability of unfrozen water in the pond. Free-living birds migrate from Ascania Nova to other places, even to distant regions.