Hellabrunn continues to support EAZA Emergency Fund for Ukrainian Zoos

The situation in Ukraine since the attack by its neighbour, in violation of international law, is incredibly difficult for all its citizens, the nation and of course the animals in zoos across the country. 

In late November, Hellabrunn Zoo welcomed the opportunity to discuss the current situation with Mikhail Pinchuk, director of Park XII Months zoo, located about 25 km north of Kyiv, and to offer further support via the EAZA Emergency Fund. The meeting between Rasem Baban and Mikhail Pinchuk was a brief, but important one. During their discussion, the two directors exchanged views on the current situation at Park XII Months zoo in Ukraine and the support efforts by EAZA members, including Hellabrunn. Since the armed conflict began, caring for the animals has become extremely challenging due to supply routes being cut off and occupied areas. Everything is lacking: feed for the animals, medicine, energy for the animal houses that are still intact and support for the local zookeepers.

Shortly after the invasion, EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) set up an emergency appeal and asked its members for donations for zoos in Ukraine. To date, over 165 members, including Hellabrunn Zoo, have donated a total of almost two million euros. EAZA coordinates the collection of emergency funds for Ukrainian zoos and maintains regular contact with its Ukrainian members, as well as other zoos and aquaria in need. All relief efforts and veterinary support are centrally administered.

Verena Dietl, chair of the supervisory board at Hellabrunn and Munich Mayor, welcomes the dialogue between the zoo directors: "We’ve all been through really challenging times, regardless of whether we are affected or supporters. Since spring 2022, we as a city have been doing what we can to offer assistance to people affected by this terrible war, especially those fleeing, and to implement and expand these aid measures quickly. The zoo shows the same level of commitment, which in cooperation with EAZA provides support for Ukrainian zoos to help the animals and improve the situation for local zookeepers.”

Zoo director Rasem Baban adds: "For us at Hellabrunn, it goes without saying that we take the time to discuss together the problems still exist. Zoos can help give people back some normalcy in this serious crisis. They offer children and their parents joy, distraction and a brief moment of calm. The visit and conversation with Mikhail Pinchuk showed us how important any financial support is. That is why we have decided to increase our donation and promote donations to the EAZA relief fund once more.”

If you would also like to make a donation to support the care of zoo animals in Ukraine, please follow this link: https://www.eaza.net/emergency-appeal-for-ukrainian-zoos/.

Any support you can provide will be gratefully received and will benefit Ukrainian zoos.