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Several zoos in Ukraine are in extreme jeopardy following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country, with EAZA calling for support and issuing a statement calling on Russian forces to ‘respect the peaceful nature’ of zoos
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Mar 2022
Mykolaiv Zoo has reportedly been hit by cluster bombs this week
The European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) has called for the support of its Ukrainian members, with several zoos in the country in severe jeopardy following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country.
EAZA’s Candidate for Membership programme, which mentors zoos and aquariums seeking to achieve its standards, includes three zoos in Ukraine: Kyiv Zoo, Kharkiv Zoo and Mykolayiv Zoo.
In a statement released by the organisation, EAZA called on the invading forces to respect the “peacful nature” of zoos and urged them to avoid actions that would endanger the lives of their animals or zoo staff, many of whom have remained in the country despite the conflict in order to care for the animals trapped there.
Recent reports suggest that the zoo in the Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv was subjected to Russian attacks on Monday morning (March 7), when it was hit by cluster bombs, which also hit civilian housing.
“These institutions continue caring for their animals in very difficult conditions initiated by the invasion of Ukraine by Russian government forces,” said the EAZA statement.
“EAZA stands with all zoos in Ukraine, their staff and their families, the animals in their care and the communities they serve. Animals and staff of Ukrainian zoos played no part in initiating the conflict, yet these peaceful conservation and education institutions and their animals are acutely vulnerable to the societal chaos caused by war. We condemn the Russian invasion and military aggression in Ukraine and call for Russian armed forces to withdraw immediately from the country; we call on Russian forces and their commanders to respect the peaceful nature of zoos and to avoid any action that would endanger the lives of animal care staff and their families and the animals in their care, and to give a wider commitment to the safety of the Ukrainian people and the preservation of their heritage.”
The EAZA statement added that it was also supporting its Russian members, placing the blame for the committed atrocities squarely at the feet of Vladimir Putin. Due to sanctions in place, however, its Russian members will be excluded in large part from the zoo community.
“EAZA was founded on the premise that zoos and aquariums working together can render service to animal species through concerted conservation efforts and the highest possible level of care and welfare at our institutions,” the statement said.
“Our members show time and again that they place these values above politics and work together to save species despite serious challenges. We recognise therefore that colleagues working at Russian zoos, including our members, are not directly responsible for the egregious actions of their President or the abuses visited on the Ukrainian people.
“EAZA fully supports the sanctions on Russia put in place by the European Union, United Kingdom and other countries in Europe and across the world. These sanctions effectively exclude Russian zoos from collaborative work with institutions abroad, including the transfer of animals, participation at EAZA events and representation at EAZA Council meetings.
“In the meantime, and in the interests of animals and animal populations, we will continue to encourage dialogue between colleagues from Russian and non-Russian zoos regarding animal health and welfare. We reserve the right to revisit this decision at any time, depending on further developments in the region and advice from our Ukrainian candidates.”
EAZA is working with the Ukrainian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (UAZA) to ensure that zoos and aquariums receive assistance they need during the crisis. The organisation is also coordinating the collection of relief funds for Ukraine’s zoos.
If you would like to donate to help the efforts for animal care and maintenance in Ukraine’s zoos. Please click the following link (100% of the proceeds will go towards the cause), adding ‘Ukraine – name of your institution/your name’ in the description box.
Donate here
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