Russia – Scott # B156a

Description

Soviet Union (USSR) • 1989 • Zoo Aid Fund • Small Mammals • Semi-Postal Se-tenant Strip

Issued in 1989, this Soviet semi-postal se-tenant strip was produced in support of the Zoo Aid Fund, with surtax proceeds dedicated to zoological and wildlife conservation. The connected stamps feature finely detailed portraits of small mammals native to the USSR, including species such as fox, squirrel, hare, hedgehog, and badger, arranged around a central conservation emblem.

The artwork emphasizes close-up realism, capturing fur texture, alert expressions, and natural coloration against softly blurred backgrounds. The horizontal se-tenant format creates a unified wildlife tableau, encouraging the viewer to read the strip as a single composition rather than individual stamps. Earthy tones and gentle shading reinforce the conservation theme and late-Soviet ecological awareness.

This example is offered in Mint Never Hinged (MNH) condition, with clean original gum, intact perforations between stamps, strong color, and excellent overall presentation. A desirable piece for collectors of wildlife, conservation-themed philately, or Soviet semi-postal issues.