Kyiv Zoo Uses Wood Stoves and Generators to Keep 3,000 Animals Warm During Winter Blackouts

Kyiv Zoo is using wood-burning stoves and generators to keep its animals warm, a significant change from normal operations. This is happening because of power outages across the city.
By Newsroom | Animals, Ukraine |

Amidst ongoing conflict and deliberate attacks on energy infrastructure, staff at the Kyiv Zoo are undertaking significant efforts to ensure the well-being of its nearly 3,000 animals. The situation presents a complex logistical challenge, requiring staff to work continuously to maintain stable temperatures within animal enclosures and prepare food despite widespread power outages and freezing weather.

Kyiv zoo braves blackouts and bombardment to keep animals warm - 1

The zoo, home to animals including a 51-year-old gorilla named Tony, faces a difficult operational environment. Russian air strikes targeting Ukraine's energy grid have resulted in prolonged blackouts across Kyiv. This directly impacts the zoo's ability to power heating systems and cooking facilities, essential for the survival of many species.

Kyiv zoo braves blackouts and bombardment to keep animals warm - 2

Sustaining Essential Operations During Blackouts

Staff are implementing a multi-pronged approach to counter the effects of the power crisis:

Kyiv zoo braves blackouts and bombardment to keep animals warm - 3

  • Alternative Heating Methods: Wood-burning stoves have been installed and are now in use to maintain a steady temperature of approximately 20°C within animal enclosures. These stoves are essential for heating during periods of electricity loss.

  • Generators: The zoo has acquired and is utilizing generators to provide a consistent power supply for critical heating systems, ensuring some level of climate control for vulnerable animals.

  • Food Preparation: Food for the zoo's inhabitants is being cooked using wood-burning stoves, a deviation from usual methods that likely relied on electric appliances.

External Support and Resource Management

The challenges have prompted international cooperation and highlight the zoo's resourcefulness:

Read More: New Film Shows How Zoo Workers Care for Animals

Kyiv zoo braves blackouts and bombardment to keep animals warm - 4

  • International Aid: Zoos in several European countries have provided crucial support by sending supplies of dry feed. This reduces the zoo's reliance on electricity for food preparation and ensures a more consistent diet for the animals.

  • Water Reserves: The zoo maintains substantial water reserves. For instance, sufficient water is on hand to meet the daily needs of elephants, which require around 150 liters.

The Human Element: Staff Dedication Amidst Crisis

The burden of maintaining the zoo's operations falls heavily on its dedicated staff:

  • Round-the-Clock Work: Personnel are working day and night to care for the animals, monitor enclosure temperatures, and manage the alternative energy and heating systems.

  • Personal Sacrifice: Some staff members are reportedly living at the zoo for extended periods, balancing their responsibilities to the animals with their own safety and survival during the conflict. The emotional and physical toll of operating under such conditions is considerable.

Damage and Environmental Impact

The conflict has also resulted in direct physical damage to the zoo:

  • Structural Damage: Reports indicate that a significant portion of the zoo's glass structures has been destroyed, presumably due to nearby explosions or shelling. This exacerbates the challenge of maintaining internal temperatures, as heat loss increases.

  • Environmental Conditions: The wider environmental situation is severe, with temperatures in Kyiv reportedly dropping as low as -18°C. This extreme cold amplifies the need for effective heating measures within the zoo.

The operational resilience of the Kyiv Zoo underscores the commitment of its staff to animal welfare under duress. The ongoing conflict creates a volatile environment, yet the implementation of alternative strategies appears to be mitigating the most immediate threats to the animals' survival.

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the Kyiv Zoo keeping its animals warm during the winter blackouts?
The Kyiv Zoo is using wood-burning stoves and generators to keep animal enclosures warm, aiming for a temperature of around 20°C. This is necessary because of power outages caused by attacks on the city's energy systems.
Q: What are the main challenges the Kyiv Zoo faces because of the war?
The zoo faces challenges from power outages, freezing weather, and damage to its structures, like glass enclosures. Staff must work non-stop to maintain heating, prepare food, and care for nearly 3,000 animals.
Q: How is the zoo preparing food for the animals during the power cuts?
Food for the animals is being cooked using wood-burning stoves. This change helps ensure the animals get fed even when electricity is not available for cooking.
Q: Has the Kyiv Zoo received any help to manage these difficult conditions?
Yes, zoos in other European countries have sent supplies of dry feed to help. The zoo also has large water reserves, enough for animals like elephants.
Q: What kind of damage has the war caused to the Kyiv Zoo?
A large part of the zoo's glass structures has been destroyed, likely from nearby explosions. This makes it harder to keep the inside areas warm.
Q: How dedicated are the staff at the Kyiv Zoo during this crisis?
The staff are working around the clock, day and night, to care for the animals and manage the heating systems. Some staff members are even living at the zoo to ensure the animals are looked after constantly.