Search Results for: Ukraine

Many people abandoned animals while fleeing Ukraine, but some heroes stayed behind to support the pets in need. Asya Serpinska, 77, walked toward the Russian conflict instead of running away. She was willing to put herself in danger because her animal shelter in Hostomel, a town above Kyiv, needed her. Serpinska had about 600 dogs and 100 cats at the shelter when the invasion began. She also ended up taking in a variety of abandoned zoo animals. As if caring … Read more

Alexei Surovtsev is well-known in Ukraine. As an actor, striptease champion, and performer on his country’s version of Dancing With The Stars, he has amassed many fans. But Surovtsev’s greatest role to date is that of hero. His efforts to save stranded pets from the warzones of his hometown have earned him the nickname “Cat Saviour of Irpin.” However, “Pet Savior” is a more accurate title as Surovtsev also rescues dogs and any other creature in need. One of his … Read more

Ukrainian pet owners have faced so many obstacles while fleeing the country with their furry friends. But sadly, these struggles only seem to worsen. Natasha Hrytsenko and her sister Ira were traveling to the United States from Ukraine to stay with their friends in Virginia. However, they refused to leave without Natasha’s Maltese named Eddie. The sisters made sure Eddie had everything he needed to travel safely between countries, but sadly, their preparations weren’t enough. When they reached the United … Read more

In Ukraine, thousands are dead, millions have fled the country, and so many innocent citizens huddle in homes and bomb shelters, praying the structures withstand the relentless Russian barrage. The violence continues with blasts leveling residential quarters, businesses, and even zoos and wildlife parks. Feldman Ecopark in Kharkiv is one of these zoos. Because of damage sustained from shelling, the park structures can only take so much more before they fail, meaning large predators could escape into populated areas. Zoo … Read more

When Russia invaded Ukraine, many people were separated from their loved ones, including their pets. Some Ukrainians were fortunate enough to flee their homes with their furry friends by their sides, but others had no way to safely get to their dogs and cats. A Husky named Nessie got separated from her human when the war broke out. She was left to wander the streets, unsure where her family went. Luckily, someone found her all alone, which ultimately led her … Read more

Nearly four weeks into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, things only appear to be getting more complicated for Ukrainian pets and their rescuers. Constant shelling makes it near impossible for many citizens and their pets to flee and severely complicates the efforts of the animal rescuers on the ground. Ukrainians are facing unimaginable circumstances as war continues to rage on their streets. Not only are the innocent people of Ukraine left to fight for their lives to find safety, but … Read more

The cruelty of the Russian invasion of Ukraine rages on, with horrific news coming out of the stricken yet strong country hourly. Among the stories, the tale of two young lions has found its way into print and onto our screens. Twin lion cub brothers, Tsar and Jamil, are barely older than a year, but they’ve only known hardship. Now, the big cats are safe in a Belgian wildlife center and decompressing from their tense journey across a war-ravaged area. … Read more

When most people think of a working dog, they often picture a large, strong pooch that isn’t afraid of conflict. A round, wiggly puppy is the opposite of what you’d expect. Yet, Ukrainian soldiers have added some unique members to their team amid the Russian invasion. The soldiers publicly introduced two tiny puppies, each with a unique backstory. Even though the puppies can’t walk far or put up a fight, they’ve been helpful in other ways. According to the Ukrainian … Read more

Many people told Anastasiia Yalanskaya to evacuate Ukraine when Russian troops invaded. But the 26-year-old Ukrainian refused because she wanted to help others. Yalanskaya was big on volunteer work, especially when it involved dogs in need. She stayed behind because she knew people and animals needed her help. But in the end, that selfless decision cost her her life. Yalanskaya was shot and killed by Russian troops as she was bringing donations to an animal shelter. She died a hero, … Read more