Challenges Faced by Zoos and Wildlife During Armed Conflicts

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:05:00 +0200

Animals in Ukraine are suffering alongside humans due to the ongoing war, facing threats from shelling, hunger, cold, and displacement. Zoo animals are particularly vulnerable because they rely on humans for food, shelter, and care, making evacuation efforts extremely complex. Historical examples, from Paris during the Franco-Prussian War to Vienna and Hamburg in the World Wars, demonstrate how captivity can turn deadly under conflict conditions. In Ukraine, the situation is compounded by the occupation of zoos and private facilities, with some animals being killed, kidnapped, or left without care. Organizations and volunteers, including professional rehabilitation centers and sanctuaries such as 'Bila Skelya,' have worked to evacuate and protect certain animals, although logistics, border crossings, and documentation present enormous challenges. Many small private zoos, circuses, and individual exotic pets face chaos, lack of standards, and abandonment. Despite these difficulties, hum