The I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is the oldest institution in Ukraine specialised in general zoology. Zoological investigations within the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences has been commenced from the very beginning of its existence, in the year 1919, with organisation of "The Committee for studies of the fauna of Ukraine" led by Academician M.F. Kaschenko. The Committee initiated creation of the Zoological Museum in May 1919. This first zoological institution in Ukraine employed 22 researchers, including such outstanding scientists as M.F. Kaschenko, M.M. Voskoboynikov and V.O. Karavayev.

From these first steps the Institute of Zoology originated. It was officially founded in August 1, 1930. An outstanding zoologist Ivan Schmalhausen was the first director of the Institute. From the day of foundation, the Institute has become a leading zoological centre of the republic.