Animals in the Ukraine War: Zoo under Attack

The city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine has been a site of numerous tragic events during the ongoing war. Amidst the heavy Russian attacks targeting civilians, the Feldman Ecopark, one of the largest park facilities in Ukraine, faced a unique challenge in evacuating over 5,000 animals during the first Russian major offensive. The employees of the Ecopark embarked on a daunting task of evacuating the zoo under the threat of bombings, a task they had never practiced in times of peace.

The Feldman Ecopark, named after its owner, Ukrainian entrepreneur Olexandr Feldman, served as a recreational area, zoo, and therapy center. Since 2013, the park has provided therapy for children and adults with psychological issues or dependencies. The animals, such as horses and ponies, were integral to the therapy concept. Over 7,000 individuals with behavioral and trauma-related issues have been treated at the park since 2011, with free entry for all visitors.

However, the park faced devastation during the Russian attacks in February 2022. The park was bombarded with drones and rockets, resulting in the deaths of six employees and numerous animals. The infrastructure was destroyed, leaving animals like apes, donkeys, horses, cows, cheetahs, elks, kangaroos, bisons, lions, leopards, and others exposed to the cold with dwindling food supplies.

The evacuation of the animals became a race against time and danger. The park staff had to navigate the challenges of transporting animals, including giant tortoises weighing 100 kilograms each, amidst ongoing bombardments. The park’s facilities were not designed for such a massive evacuation, making the task even more daunting.

Despite the chaos and destruction, a remarkable rescue operation unfolded. The park’s owner, Olexandr Feldman, documented the harrowing events in a pictorial book titled „How We Saved the Ecopark.“ The accounts of the staff members, such as Switlana Wischnewezka, who braved the dangers to save the animals, highlight the extraordinary efforts made to ensure the animals‘ safety.

The aftermath of the evacuation saw the animals temporarily housed in various locations, including the owner’s estate and other zoos in Ukraine. The process of rebuilding the park began, with efforts to restore the infrastructure and reintroduce the animals to their habitats. Despite setbacks and ongoing threats, the park’s staff remain committed to restoring the park to its former glory.

The story of the Feldman Ecopark is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the unwavering dedication of individuals in the face of adversity. As the park continues its journey of recovery, the hope remains that one day, the animals will once again roam freely in their familiar surroundings, bringing joy and solace to visitors and residents alike.