Evolution has been shunted into overdrive. Why these changes haven't resulted in abnormalities and sickness on a massive scale may be an indication that nature is far more adaptable than previously imagined. The deaths of two or three animals of the population is not a grave matter. The health of an animal population is reflected in overall numbers. In any case, the ability of the reserve to answer the most problematic questions posed by Chernobyl is limited by a dearth of funding and by the primitive nature of equipment.
Workers lack even the most basic safety facilities, such as air filters or air conditioners.
The laboratory is barely more than a converted cabin. But hops are permissible, or apples, as long as you don't eat the seeds, which are contaminated. Later this year, the pig farm will begin providing meat for the staff canteen and will soon be expanded to 100 animals. Horses from the stud farm are either sold as thoroughbreds or to a local meat factory. The hops are used in local beers.