A zoo in Ukraine is about to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize wild animals due to constant shelling by Russian troops.
Since February 24, when the armed attack of the Russian Federation against Ukraine began, thousands of civilians began to move in search of shelter. However, the reality for the hundreds of animals that inhabit zoos, sanctuaries or shelters is completely different.
Zoo considers culling animals after shelling, fear they will escape to nearby villages
sacrifice
Today, the Feldman Ecopark zoo has been considering euthanizing the wild population of animals due to fears that they will escape to the population of Kharkiv, threatening citizens who already live in fear of shelling.
Unfortunately, the cages have been affected after more than a month since the war began, their keepers emphasize that it is a miracle that the animals have not escaped.
The owner of the zoo, Alexander Feldman, commented on this:
“One more shelling, and lions, tigers, bears, distraught with fear, can escape to Kharkiv or nearby villages. We can’t allow this. There is no solution to the problem today.”
While the zoo has evacuated some animals, they are still looking for some option to move the largest predators to the Poltava region, a former horse riding complex but fear that it will not be possible.
“Otherwise, the only option we have left is to put the predators to sleep. It is unimaginably painful to talk about this, but the main priority now is people’s lives. After yesterday’s massive shelling with missiles and airplanes, the zoo is practically destroyed,” Feldman said.
What was once a safe home for tigers, lions, jaguars and other wildlife, today is a ruined place, their cages are damaged, and the entire infrastructure of the zoo is destroyed.
“By some miracle, tigers and lions have survived. Their cages are badly damaged. For tonight, we will decide between putting the bears to sleep or moving them. If there is any idea, maybe we will try to save the little jaguars. Maybe we’ll save little panthers. But it is likely that we will put all other animals to sleep. Feldman Ecopark no longer exists”” Alexander Feldman stressed.
The owner of the zoo emphasizes that in recent days they have again been a direct focus of bombings.
On March 17, two orangutans and chimpanzees were killed after the bombings, just two days later, nine deer were euthanized and twenty others escaped into the forest.
Faced with this harsh reality, there are many people who have devoted themselves to help and try to save as many little animals as possible. Through a statement, a spokesman for the zoo expressed:
“Many thanks to the volunteers and employees who take risks to save animals, as well as to our friends – caring people, companies and non-governmental organizations who help us financially and make our rescue operations possible. Your support really saves lives.”
With each passing day, the victims after the constant bombardments increase, felines, primates, marsupials and birds, have been involved in the firing line for the last month.
The zoo that once had more than 300 species is asking for help in trying to move as many animals as they can. In a recent post a spokesperson for the zoo reported:
“Unlike us humans, animals do not feel hatred for these creatures who came to our Ukraine for one purpose only. This is the whole Russian army: killing women, children and animals.”
A little more than a month has already passed since the war began, millions of civilians have moved to the borders in search of shelter, thousands more have died. Ukraine continues to face this war that causes only pain, death and desolation.
We wish that such a drastic measure does not have to be taken and these little animals can receive the help they need so much.
Any act of violence is unjustified. Even more so when the lives of so many innocents are lost. Let’s not forget that without justice, there are only victims and oppressors. We pray that all this will end soon.
