What happened to the animals at Feldman EcoPark?

Several lions were injured, and most rare birds died when their aviary was hit by a Russian shell. Tigers were also found trapped.

Which city was targeted in the Russian zoo bombing?

The Russian bombing targeted the Feldman EcoPark in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

Have animals been harmed in attacks on this zoo before?

Yes, the zoo has been hit repeatedly since the war began, with previous attacks resulting in the deaths of staff and animals.

Home / War and Conflict / Russia bombs Ukraine zoo: Lions injured, birds killed

Russia bombs Ukraine zoo: Lions injured, birds killed

2 Jan

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Summary

Lions sustained injuries after a Russian bombing raid.
Most rare birds perished when a shell struck their aviary.
A volunteer suffered head injuries during the attack.

Russia bombs Ukraine zoo: Lions injured, birds killed

Russian bombing on January 2, 2026, severely damaged the Feldman EcoPark in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. The attack resulted in injured lions and the deaths of most rare birds housed in a direct hit to their aviary. A 40-year-old volunteer also sustained head injuries and required hospitalization.

The zoo, situated just 20km from the front lines, has faced repeated Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion. While some animals were evacuated, and the park had partially reopened, the latest bombardment caused further destruction to enclosures and buildings, leaving them in ruins.

This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by civilian infrastructure and wildlife in Ukraine. Staff had previously been lauded for their efforts to tend to and evacuate animals during bombardments, with some employees and volunteers losing their lives in earlier attacks.