Irpin, Kyiv region, 5 March 2022, Emilio Morenatti, AP
Animals are suffering from the Russian aggression just as much as humans. While consolidated count of animal victims is not possible, many animals fall victims to Russian shelling. Apart from direct explosions, many of them do not survive the noise of the battlefield and strikes.
In places of intense fighting, Feldman Ecopark in Kharkiv region and Hostomel animal shelter in Kyiv region were struck by Russian bombs. In both incidents, up to 5-7 animals were killed.
According to Lyudmyla Denisova, Ukraine’s Commissioner for Human Rights in Ukraine, hostilities are under way on the territory of more than 900 objects belonging to the Nature Fund Reserve of Ukraine. The area of fighting covers 12 406,6 square km, a third of the territory of Ukraine’s Nature Fund Reserve.
Large natural parks, such as Askania Nova, Asovo-Sivasky, Dzharylhatsky, are on the verge of a humanitarian disaster because no animal and bird food can be delivered there.
Yet another serious issue is maintenance of zoos. In recent weeks, Mykolaiv Zoo has been under constant shelling of the Russian armed forces. To be able to buy food for animals, its administration called on Ukrainians to buy e-tickets to the zoo. Not a single Russian zoo has voiced solidarity with Ukrainian zoos.
Significant rescue efforts are under way both by Ukrainian activists. A photo of Anastasiya Tykha evacuating disabled dogs from embattled Irpin went viral in international media. On 10 March alone, she and her boyfriend managed to evacuate more than 26 animals.
Irpin, Kyiv region, 10 March 2022, Christopher Occhicone
A special Facebook group has been created to facilitate assistance to animal owners in precarious situations.
תגובות