Ukrainian Animals, Suffering

As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine begun on February 24, 2022, many animals in zoos and shelters have suffered or died.

Animal shelters in Ukraine have lost hundreds of dogs to starvation and dehydration. UAnimals, an organization for animal rights in Ukraine, has reported that approximately 485 dogs were abandoned in an animal shelter located in Borodyanka, Ukraine. 

The dogs were left in locked kennels without access to food or water for weeks, up until a few days ago on April 1. UAnimals volunteers then arrived after Russian soldiers left the area. Upon arrival, 335 of the dogs were already deceased. Volunteers quickly attempted to feed, water, and transport the surviving dogs to veterinarians for care as many of them were in critical condition. However, the damage was already done, and even more dogs died even after the arrival of volunteers and veterinarian care. After the tragic loss of hundreds of canines, UAnimals has contacted law enforcement to ensure that the Borodyanka Animal Shelter owner is held accountable. 

At Feldman Ecopark, a zoo in Kharviv, officials reported that they may have to euthanize their large animal species following Russian bombings. Russian shelling that has hit the zoo has destroyed the enclosures of large predator species, compromising the safety of people in the surrounding area. 

Alexander Feldman, founder of the zoo, said that the zoo is essentially destroyed at this stage. Attempts have been made to relocate smaller species of animals, but officlas are unsure of how or if they can transport large species like tigers or lions. Feldman said that the zoo is attempting to find ways to relocate baby animals in Chutovo, but all adults will likely be euthanized. Attempting to transport large predator animals requires a lot of people, special equipment, and safety precautions that are simply unavailable. Unfortunately, if the zoo cannot find help to relocate the animals in Ukraine or abroad, the animals will have to be put down. While Feldman has noted how hard it is to make these statements, he has said that the safety of people comes first.