DRAMATIC SITUATION IN UKRAINE
We are appalled and concerned about the war in Ukraine and are closely following developments in the country. We run the BEAR FOREST in Domazhyr and have a team that takes care of stray animals in the country. We are in daily contact with more than 30 of our colleagues in Ukraine. Your health and safety are our top priority.
FOUR PAWS in Ukraine
In Domazhyr, in the west of the country, our BEAR FOREST is home to 33 bears that have been rescued from terrible keeping conditions. There were reports of airstrikes in the area, but our team and the protection centre were not harmed. Most of the bears are currently in hibernation. Everyone, humans and animals, is doing well.
+++ Bear Vova finally rescued +++
We have been trying to save this bear for five years. For more than 10 years, he has lived on just 16 square metres of concrete. For animals of his size, these are absolutely untenable conditions. 23 March turned out to be his lucky day. It’s the bear’sdayand Vova starts his new life in the Domazhyr bear forest on this day of all days. What a happy ending!
++ 7 bears evacuated from Kiev ++
Domazhyr BEAR FOREST took in seven new bears on the weekend of 5-6 March. All bears had to be evacuated from the WHITE ROCK bear sanctuary. It is near Kiev and their safety could no longer be guaranteed.
+ Food donations for Ukrainian animal shelters +
In recent weeks, we have delivered several tonnes of food to animal shelters. Supplies ran out and more and more animals are being handed in by fugitives. The situation for animal shelters remains tense. That is why we have developed a platform together with other animal welfare organisations to provide much better care for all Ukrainian animal shelters.
Emergency aid is organised
Together with our local partner clinicsAnimal Society(Romania) andDoctorVet(Moldova), we help people who take their pets with them when they flee.
Our partner clinics currently offer this assistance free of charge to refugees and their pets in the capitals of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova:
- Vaccinations for pets
- Insertion of microchips
- Veterinary treatments
- Transport boxes for cats and small animals
- Leashes and harnesses
- Temporary accommodation
- and, of course, food for animals
In the meantime, our partner clinics in the capitals of Ukraine’s three neighbouring countrieshave treated and cared for 1,150 dogs and catsof refugees.
Europe is showing an overwhelming spirit of solidarity.You too can now help fund this free service for refugees from Ukraine.
