Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, who are facing a growing military assault by Russian forces. During the turmoil, over one million people have fled the country.
However, many people have remained in the war-torn country, as have countless animals. Because so many of these animals have been left in dangerous region, evacuating them across the border can be difficult.
Like the animals at the Kyiv Zoo, who are today trapped inside, scared of the ongoing fighting, while zookeepers stay behind to care for them.
The Kyiv Zoo, the country’s largest zoo and located in Ukraine’s capital, has closed its doors to tourists, but its keepers have been working around the clock to calm their animals, who have reportedly been startled by the sounds of bombs, sirens, and severe combat in the neighborhood.
“Because the wаr is causing the аnimаls so much stress,” Kyrylo Trantin, the zoo’s chief, told Euro News. “Some have been relocаted to indoor cages аnd subterranean gаlleries.” “In addition, our keepers will be with them overnight.”
The zoo posted on Facebook, “Animals are terrified by the loud noises of explosions, but our physicians are continually monitoring their condition.”
The zoo is said to have 4,000 creatures from 200 different species, including Tony, Ukraine’s only gorilla.
The effort of evacuating the animals from the country was too difficult, so the personnel and the animals they care for were forced to stay and weather the storm.
“It’s practically hard to evacuate animals,” Trantin told Euro News, “since it’s impossible to offer necessary veterinarian service and transportation.”
The zoo, according to social media, still has 50 personnel working around the clock to care for the animals: “Animal care does not stop,” Kyiv Zoo said.
It hasn’t all been negative news, either. Despite everything, life carries on, and on February 27, the Kyiv Zoo announced the birth of two goats.
They wrote, “Nature cannot be halted.”
While the situation is dire, and significant fighting has erupted in the surrounding area, the zoo has expressed confidence, saying that everyone is safe and that they have the resources to fight on.
In a Facebook post, they said, “All animals receive food, care, and necessary therapy.” “Electricity, heating, and water are all provided to the Zoo.” Thank you to everyone who is concerned about our well-being!”
Hearing about how the Ukraine conflict has affected these creatures is distressing. Thank you to those of you that stayed to help them. We hope that they will all be able to live in peace very soon.
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