Photo: Feldman Ecopark Zoo/Instagram; Eldar Emric/AP/Shutterstock
Feldman Ecopark, a zoo in Kharviv, Ukraine, says the facility has confirmed the death of two employees who went missing last month amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The zoo shared the news of the deaths in apress releaseand videos onFacebookandInstagram.
“We have received confirmation that two of our employees who went missing in early March have died. When the war started, they stayed in the Ecopark and helped to feed the animals,” the release stated in English, translated from Ukrainian.
Feldman Ecopark called the employees “wonderful and courageous people” and sent condolences to their friends and families.
Earlier this month, Feldman Ecopark said it might have to euthanize several of itsanimalsafter Russian shelling damaged enclosures at the zoo, according toCBS News.
On Wednesday, thezooshared a positive update on their continued efforts to find temporary homes for the animals still residing at the zoo.
“Taking out of the last animals — kind and peaceful as a rule — was difficult, but we managed, all the rescued animals are doing well and are already heading to their temporary homes. To be continued, all animals will definitely be saved,” the zoo added.
Feldman Ecopark/Facebook
Russia’sattack on Ukrainecontinues after its forces launched a large-scale invasion on Feb. 24 — the first major land conflict in Europe in decades.
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With NATO forces massing in the region around Ukraine, various countries have also pledged aid or military support to the resistance. Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyycalled for peace talks — so far unsuccessful — while urging his country to fight back.
Putin insists Ukraine has historic ties to Russia and he is acting in the best security interests of his country. Zelenskyy vowed not to bend.
“Nobody is going to break us, we’re strong, we’re Ukrainians,“he told the European Unionin a speech in the early days of the fighting, adding, “Life will win over death. And light will win over darkness.”
source: people.com
