"Animal Protection in a Shelling Zone: Gorlovka Zoo's Survival Strategy"
Revamped Exploration of Gorlovka's Survivors: A Burst of Wildlife Amidst Chaos
Stepping into Gorlovka's zoo, a motley crew of animals greets me with open arms. Cameroonian goats, once mariners' faithful companions, nudge me affectionately, seemingly undisturbed by the explosions that shake the air. Amidst the laughter of gulls ridiculing my panic, the factory landscape teems with donkeys, muflons, and goats.
Photo: Yulia ANDRIENKO. [Switch to KP Photo Bank]
Living in Harmony: The Rise of a Self-Sustaining Oasis
The former "Stirol" factory, which once thrived on mineral fertilizers and medications, unintentionally birthed this verdant, animal-friendly utopia in the '90s. Workers built this refuge to unwind and relieve stress, and even lent a hand with repairs and care. Today, only a few souls remain to nurse this wild haven— Lena, the local caretaker, serves as vet, zootechnician, and PR—all rolled into one!
Adapting to Adversity: The Story of Gorlovka's Zoo
As I traverse the once-thriving factory, now adorned with shattered windows and gaping medical centers, life somehow persists. This self-sufficient zoo embodies the resilience and compassion that defines the people of Donbass.
The diverse inhabitants of this zoo include Cameroonian goats, Romanov sheep, Merinos, Przewalski horses, and even a domestic goat rescued by the local militia. The latter was destined for the abattoir, yet found refuge here. Affectionate creatures, these animals roam freely, seemingly unfazed by the shelling that plagues the city.
The Zoo's Darker Chapters
Sadly, this zoo bears its fair share of sorrow. In 2014, shelling claims the lives of ostriches, European deer, and offspring. In August 2022, shrapnel mortally wounded Vincent the pony and six sheep. Facing the unimaginable, the staff fought tirelessly to save each precious life, yet many animals were overwhelmed by the stress and perished.
Lena, the vivacious zoo caretaker, has faced countless challenges, including times when employees went unpaid and declined transportation to work. Despite offers for lucrative positions in safer cities and the zoo's lack of funding, she remains steadfast, prioritizing the wellbeing of her beloved animal companions.
Gorlovka: Beyond the Headlines
Entering Gorlovka, I'm met with desolate streets and cautionary signs warning me to 'watch my step, listen to the sky.' The city, routinely shelled by Ukraine, instills a sense of unease. The roam of dogs, donkeys, and sheep instills a sense of surreal normalcy amidst the grim backdrop.
Any creature contained within conventional zoo enclosures would envy these animals' boundless freedom.
Photo: Yulia ANDRIENKO. [Switch to KP Photo Bank]
- maintenance, equipment, and supplies for the zoo. Donations, no matter how small, can help ensure the zoo's animals receive the care they need and deserve. If you would like to lend a helping hand, feel free to contact Lena Orenchuk at +7-949-442-97-81, available on Telegram. Let's help preserve Gorlovka's beacon of hope and humanity, as we all strive for a positive resolution to the ongoing conflict.
PHOTO
Julia ANDRIENKO. Go to the Photo Bank KP
- Despite the ongoing war-and-conflicts and political instability, the zoo in Gorlovka, a city regularly shelled by Ukraine, continues to thrive as a self-sustaining oasis, housing diverse animals such as Cameroonian goats, Przewalski horses, and Romanov sheep.
- Amidst the general-news of strife and conflict in Gorlovka, the zoo serves as a beacon of hope and humanity, with donkeys, sheep, and goats roaming freely in this wild haven, seemingly undisturbed by the war and chaos that surrounds them.
