Near the villages Slobozia Mare and Văleni, there is Beleu. On its basis, the "Lower Prut" nature reserve was created, which is a corner of paradise for waterfowl, fish, animals and plants, a good part of which are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova.
Beleu Lake occupies 628 ha or 1/3 of the area of the Lower Prut reserve. This is a relic of the Danube and is over 5-6 thousand years old, being over time the source of survival of the locals. Its depth varies between 0.5 - 2 m, length - 5 km, width - 2 km. The lake is a stopover for many migratory water and waterfowl. The lake's fauna is represented by about 198 species of animals and 140 species of birds. Among the rare species of mammals found here, the otter, the wild cat, the white-bellied toad, the stoat, the European mink, etc. can be mentioned.
Lake Beleu is actually a miniature Danube Delta, with lots of water and vegetation, and is a wetland of international importance. A truly special phenomenon is when several thousand pelicans come for about 2-3 weeks. Flocks of common pelicans appear annually on Beleu, which consume significant quantities of fish from the lake. After stopping here for a while, the pelicans continue their journey to the Danube Delta.
With the pandemic, many visitors from all corners of the country have suddenly "noticed" this oasis of peace and wilderness, becoming an important tourist attraction.
