"Miraculous" Rescue of Animals at a Ukrainian Zoo
The mass shelling and bombing of Feldman Ecopark in Kharkiv led to fears that its animals would have to be euthanized. But now an “incredible” public response has helped to rescue more than 80 animals already.
Photo: Lions at Feldman Ecopark
A Ukrainian zoo has announced the miraculous rescue of many of its animal residents after intense shelling and bombing from Russian forces killed animals and left enclosures destroyed.
Earlier this week, the Feldman Ecopark in Kharkiv revealed the desperate situation where they faced the prospect of having to euthanize their remaining animals.
“Today we are going to tell Kharkiv residents that the park is no longer there. After yesterday's fired missiles enclosures [were] destroyed, all infrastructure destroyed”, the park’s founder Alexander Feldman said in a video posted to Facebook.
"But miraculously, tigers and lions remained alive, their cages were very badly damaged—they can get out at any moment. [And the enclosures are] in a serious condition where the bears are.
"Today the decision is made: We have time until the evening, or [we must] kill all [of the animals], euthanize [them], or accept [an offer of] their transportation. [But there is] no chance, no ideas, and no redirecting them now.”
News outlets worldwide reported on Feldman’s video, which garnered global and local support for the park’s struggle.
Within hours, work on trying to evacuate the park’s remaining animals began, and has continued since.
The park had previously evacuated many animals, which included workers using their vans to drive the likes of kangaroos and tapirs to safety. But animals with more complex needs like big cats and apes needed significantly more planning and help.
Despite the risk of new shelling, April 7th saw workers spend seven hours rescuing and transporting animals from the Ecopark area. Among the rescued animals were monkeys, lions, tigers, and jaguars, who were delivered to new enclosures in Kharkiv Zoo.
Whilst the physical and emotional impact of the destruction has already killed many animals at Ecopark, the community response to the zoo’s situation and the miraculous ongoing rescue is providing hope:
“It's terribly sad”, Feldman posted on Facebook. “But the main thing is that we have [the rescue operation] that not only inspires hope, but also leaves no doubt that everything will be fine”.
Despite managing the animals and their rescue, the park has also been continuously involved in humanitarian outreach, by buying, packing, and delivering supplies to Kharkiv residents throughout the city.
You can help support the rescue of these animals here.
The war in Ukraine has plunged the country’s people and animals into crisis. Find out more about the charitable organizations offering support to Ukraine and how you can help fund their lifesaving work here.
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