Raising money for zoo and aquarium welfare in Ukraine

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had a devastating impact in the region – its people, landscape and wildlife and our hearts go out to all who have been impacted. The nations bordering Ukraine and the wider international community were quick to show their support. This support was also evident within the zoo community, with zoos in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany quickly mobilizing to collect funds for Ukrainian zoos and to put together supplies and transport to help them care for their animals. On the 1st of March EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) created an emergency fund for Ukrainian Zoos which has raised €1.3m from over 130 institutional donors and 11,000 individuals since. While this total is extraordinary, the war is likely to continue for some time, and there is a continued need for funds to be collected to support the zoos and the animals in their care.

100% of the funds generated from this auction will go towards supporting our Ukrainian colleagues. These funds, allocated by EAZA, will will help cover the expenses of Ukrainian zoos, including emergency funds to buy food and supplies for animals and staff in the short and long term. As well as funds to help carry out repairs to critical infrastructure and enclosures over the medium term. Funds will also be used to help zoos rebuild and rehabilitate their animals once the fighting is well away from the sites.