During this time period he also attended lectures from prominent zoologists that included Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire (1805–1861) and Émile Blanchard (1819–1900).

[2] Bogdanov was known for his organizational skills, and was a major factor in the founding of the zoological gardens in Moscow, as well as the establishment of a number of scientific societies, such as the Society of Devotees of Natural Science, Anthropology, and Ethnography (Russian: Императорское общество любителей естествознания, антропологии и этнографии).

This society was founded in 1863 with the goal of spreading scientific knowledge to the Russian people, and creating an atmosphere where professionals and amateurs could work together in their love of natural sciences.

Through this institution, Bogdanov was able to raise money and resources to create an All-Russian Ethnographic Exhibition (Russian: Всероссійская этнографическая выставка), which made its debut in April 1867.

This exhibition consisted of dioramas with hundreds of mannequins representing 60 ethnic groups that populated the Russian Empire.