Zoo Miami is donating $10,000 to help zoos in Ukraine through the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), which is coordinating the emergency collection of relief funds.
Ukrainian zoos are struggling to keep animals safe during Russia’s invasion of the country, and funds raised will go towards food and care for animals, as well as support for care staff.
EAZA has direct contact with Mykolaiv Zoo, Kharkiv Zoo and Kyiv Zoo, and indirect contact with other zoos through the Ukrainian Zoo Association.
Zoo Miami joins a growing list of zoological institutions to make contributions in response to the war in Ukraine. Zoos can make donations here. As of 18 March, EAZA had raised €576,371.
Emergency collection of relief funds
“We are grateful to the EAZA for establishing this emergency fund during this extremely distressing and challenging time,” said Zoo Miami director Will Elgar.
“We hope that this small gesture helps provide the support needed for the people and animals of Ukraine. We hope for peace to prevail soon.”
Mykolaiv Zoo, also known as the Nikolaev Zoo, is fundraising to feed its animal residents by asking the public to buy tickets online. Tickets to the zoo can be purchased here.
“The situation for Ukrainian zoos continues to be extremely challenging,” EAZA said in a statement dated 18 March.
“Ukrainian zoos are generally still not asking for assistance to relocate animals from high-risk zones; this may not correspond to information being reported in the general media coverage, but we support the direct request of the zoos not to relocate animals for the present.”
Images: Zoo Miami
