After repeated shelling by Russian troops, the zoo director in Ukraine stated they may have to make the terrible decision to destroy their lions, tigers, and bears.
There are fears that the wild beasts may otherwise escape into broken Kharkiv, posing a menace to locals who are already terrified of Vladimir Putin’s missiles and bombs.
More than five weeks of bombardment in the terrible war zone has blown holes in their cages, and it’s a “miracle” they haven’t fled.
“One more shelling – and the lions, tigers, and bears, terrified, may go free and flee to Kharkiv or adjacent villages,” claimed zoo owner Alexander Feldman.
“We can’t let this happen.” “Today, there is no answer to the situation.”
Some animals, including kangaroos, have been evacuated from the Feldman Ecopark zoo.
It is desperately attempting to relocate the larger predators to the Poltava region, where they will be housed in a historic horseriding facility, but the zoo’s director worries this will be impossible.
“If that doesn’t work, the only alternative left to us is to put the predators to sleep,” he stated, emphasizing the word “only.”
“Talking about this is unbearably hard, but the most important thing right now is people’s lives.”
“After yesterday’s huge shelling by missiles and planes, the [zoo] is practically devastated,” he said in a video posted on the zoo’s website and Facebook page.
“The aviaries were demolished. The infrastructure has been completely damaged. The tigers and lions have somehow survived. Their cages have been severely damaged.
“We’ll decide whether to put the bears to sleep or move them by tonight.” If anyone has any suggestions, perhaps we can save some and try to save the little jaguars. Maybe we’ll be able to save the small panthers. All of the other animals, on the other hand, are sure to perish.”
“Feldman Ecopark no longer exists,” the popular zoo’s owner declared. This can now be stated categorically. It was exposed to intense bombing and bombardment yesterday and today. Infrastructure has been demolished, and enclosures have been demolished.”
Two orangutans and chimps were killed by shelling on March 17th.
Nine deer were slaughtered two days later, while 20 escaped into the woods.
The zoo originally housed over 300 different species.
He pleaded for financial assistance in order to preserve as many animals as possible from Russian bombs.