Keeping the Animals Warm: Kyiv Zoo's Battle Against Blackouts and Cold.

Kyiv Zoo Fights Cold and Power Cuts to Protect Its Animals

According to Novyny.live: As temperatures drop and blackouts continue, staff at the Kyiv Zoo are working tirelessly to keep their animals, including a 51-year-old gorilla named Tony, safe and warm. This effort is particularly critical given the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has severely damaged the country's energy infrastructure. To maintain comfortable conditions, zoo workers carry firewood to stoves five times a day.

The temperature in Tony's enclosure is kept at a steady +20 °C. Kirill Trantin, the zoo's director, notes that Russian attacks impact more than just people. He emphasizes that unlike some residents of the capital who can seek warmer shelter, Tony has no such option.

“Every day is a struggle for heat and electricity,” says Trantin.

Caring for the Zoo's Other Residents

Other animals also require special attention. For instance, the zoo's elephant drinks 150 liters of water per day. Maintaining warmth for all animals remains a top priority, even as Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, urged residents on January 23 to consider leaving the city due to the threat of new attacks. The staff continue their vital work to ensure comfort for every resident of the zoo.

This situation highlights not only the importance of preserving animal life but also the broader hardships faced by all of Kyiv's inhabitants during the war. Keeping the animals warm has become a symbol of resilience and humanity under extreme duress. Like other institutions, the Kyiv Zoo continues to function despite the immense challenges confronting everyone in the city. While people fight for their own survival, the zoo's commitment reflects a duty to care for all its residents, regardless of the circumstances.