Animals in Ukraine zoos, shelters, sanctuaries, farms, forests and seas, are suffering too

By Gloria Stovall

For passionate animal lovers such as myself, the thought of innocent animals suffering due to no fault of their own is heartbreaking, disturbing and upsetting. I know we do not like thinking about it, but truth be told, animals suffer greatly at the hand of humans-especially during a time of war, the precious animals in zoos, shelters, sanctuaries, farms, forests and yes…even the seas, are experiencing pain, distress, hunger and death.  Farm animals already suffer immensely, but when you add war to that equation, it is unthinkable the suffering they endure as the farmers are unable to adequately feed their livestock, therefore, animals on farms are starving and suffering as well as animals in zoos, shelters and sanctuaries.   Ukraine also has a beautiful, diverse wildlife population including hundreds of species of birds and mammals including wildcats, wolves, foxes, deer, elk, wild pigs and sheep, etc., and well over 200 species of fish.   The habitats these innocent animals call home are being destroyed by the anger of war and suffering the irreversible repercussions.

I have not been sleeping as well lately due to a deep concern for the animals in Ukraine…especially the animals that are in captivity, locked up-imprisoned in cages, enclosures, with no way of escaping the war zone.  I personally do not watch the news; have not done so in a myriad of years, but I am given pertinent updates from various animal organizations worldwide regarding animal welfare, suffering and rescue. I felt inclined to write this blog entry as animal suffering, due to the war in Ukraine, could not be ignored; but I will try sparing you the sorrowful details and give you some good news about the animals.  I will also be giving the names of trustworthy animal organizations working faithfully and endlessly to help the animals in Ukraine, in hopes of encouraging you to pray, give and support their charitable cause. 

There are currently three zoos in cities that are under attack by Russian military forces; but as promised, here is a bit of encouraging news. A handful of lions, tigers and wild cats were rehomed to zoos in neighboring Poland; but due to limited space, not all of the animals will be able to be rehomed; but I am still thankful some of these beautiful souls were rehomed.   Please keep in mind it is not an easy feat to move large animals such as giraffes and elephants; and for a number of unmentioned reasons, many of the zoo animals in Ukraine are not being rehomed at the moment. 

Here is more uplifting news…there has been vital veterinary care, medicine, water and food provided for a few of the animal shelters and sanctuaries, although not all; and what is even more encouraging are the courageous people finding ways to feed abandoned pets and strays, food and water.   Good news is always a blessing, which is why I wanted to relay that information to you. With that being said, the situation for the majority of animals in Ukraine, domesticated or wild, is dire, and animal organizations need support, so they can continue saving these innocent souls from further injury, starvation and distress.  The following are a handful of trustworthy animal rescue organizations that I highly recommend supporting, especially during the war in Ukraine. 

1. IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) https://www.ifaw.org
2. Animal Survival International https://animalsurvival.org
3. Network for Animals https://networkforanimals.org
4. Humane Society International    https://www.hsi.org
5. World Animal Protection https://www.worldanimalprotection.org
6. PETA Germany https://www.peta.org.uk
7. SPCA International https://www.spcai.org

Ukraine also has local animal rescue organizations in need of major support.

1. Kyiv Animal Rescue Group   
2. Shelter Friend
3. UAnimals
4. Viva! UK
5. Shelter Ugolyok:  Animal Rescue and Farm Sanctuary

My heart goes out to the animals and people in Ukraine; and I will continue to pray to God for this brutal war to end as soon as possible. Thank you always for following my blog!  I truly appreciate you.  Have a blessed week and stay safe!