Discovering the World of ‘Exotic Pets’ Rescue in Ukraine’s War

The ravages of war reach beyond the human realm, into the homes of helpless creatures caught in the crossfire. As time passes, the repercussions of war become ever more evident. Homes are abandoned, civilians displaced, and animals left behind to fend for themselves. Today, I invite you to delve into the world of ‘exotic pets’ rescue in Ukraine, where brave individuals work tirelessly to save these innocent beings.

When conflict arises, it affects not only the people, but also the animals that rely on them for care and protection. Often overlooked, these animals become victims of circumstance, facing uncertainty and danger. From parrots to hedgehogs, from turtles to rabbits, a diverse range of animals is impacted.

As I uncover the hidden stories behind these rescues, a sense of responsibility emerges. ‘Exotic pets’ may sound glamorous, but the reality is far from it. Many of these animals were once beloved companions, cherished by their owners. However, when war strikes, their safety becomes compromised, and their lives take a perilous turn. It is our duty to step in and offer them a second chance.

Amidst the chaos and destruction of war, a network of rescuers emerges. These dedicated individuals work day and night, driven by a deep passion for animals and their well-being. They navigate treacherous landscapes, braving bullets and bombs, to find these forgotten animals and bring them to safety. Their unwavering love and determination is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Rescuing these ‘exotic pets’ in the midst of war is a daunting task. The dangers are ever-present, and the logistical challenges immense. But every successful rescue is a victory, a small glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. It is a testament to the resilience of these animals and the compassion of those who risk their own lives to save them.

However, the journey doesn’t end with rescue. Once these animals are found, they require specialized care and rehabilitation. Many have suffered physical and emotional trauma, making their road to recovery a long and arduous one. But the reward is immeasurable – the joy of seeing a once broken creature flourish and thrive.

By shedding light on the ‘exotic pets’ rescue efforts in Ukraine, I hope to raise awareness about the often-overlooked victims of war. Together, we can make a difference. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, we all have a part to play in this vital mission.

Join me as we uncover the untold stories, document the tireless efforts, and celebrate the victories of those who devote their lives to rescuing Ukraine’s ‘exotic pets’ during war. Together, we can bring hope to the lives that have been shattered, and create a brighter future for all.

‘This is their one and only chance,’ Peter de Haan of Stichting AAP states. Stichting AAP is a global organization dedicated to animal welfare located in the Netherlands. They have successfully found new homes for numerous wild animals rescued from the pet trade in Ukraine.

I’m part of an amazing organization called AAP that works to rescue animals kept as exotic pets in Europe. We also work hard to advocate for better laws and regulations to protect animals from suffering. With rescue centers in the Netherlands and Spain, we’ve been incredibly busy lately, as wild animals trapped in captivity are caught in the chaos of war.

War is a terrible thing, and it doesn’t just affect humans. Animals are also in grave danger, and it breaks my heart. To make matters worse, many people abandon their pets when they have to leave their homes behind.

The Situation with Exotic Pets in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the regulations for exotic pets are not very strict. Some restaurants, clubs, and shopping malls even have “luxury pets” that visitors can take pictures with. Europe is a big market for exotic pets, and some countries in the EU have no issue with keeping wild animals as pets.

Usually, the people who adopt these animals are animal lovers. They may not know that keeping an exotic animal as a pet can be problematic,” says Peter.

Just recently, in August 2021, the Ukrainian government passed a law to prohibit the use of animals for photos and begging, as well as the keeping of wild animals in restaurants.

Zair, an African wild dog rescued from Ukraine, has developed severe cataracts in one of its eyes and will likely need to undergo surgery to correct the issue.

However, this hasn’t prevented people from trading these animals. Prior to the war, anyone with a few thousand US dollars could easily purchase a leopard, lion, or monkey from websites like zakupka.com, much like ordering takeout.

These exotic pets are often referred to as “Porsche pets,” according to Peter, who works with the organization AAP. The group was involved in rescuing lions that were being kept in captivity in Ukraine. One of these lions, named Gyz, was confined to a cage in a shopping mall in Kyiv and fed expired meat for entertainment. Another lion, Nila, was passed around in a nightclub as a cub, with guests taking pictures of the animal.

“These are the only animals we are able to save.”

On their journey to the rescue center in Spain, a pig-tailed macaque named Tomac stands tall and proud.

The rescue center, AAP, faced a difficult situation. They had limited space and couldn’t take in Nila and Gyi when Ukrainian Wild Animal Rescue brought them in before the war started.

But when Russian forces were nearing Kyiv and time was running out, AAP made a crucial decision. They agreed to take in Nila, Gyi, and the other animals if Animal Rescue could bring them to the Polish border.

With immense courage, the volunteers of Ukrainian Wild Animal Rescue embarked on a daring mission. They had to navigate through a blockade of Russian tanks and even faced the terrifying sight of guns pointed at them. But their determination prevailed, and they successfully transported the animals to the border.

Once they arrived, the animals were taken to Poznan Zoo and then eventually found their way to the safe haven of AAP in Spain. Alongside Nila and Gyi, four other lions, two caracals, and an African wild dog were given a chance at a better life.

‘We had the animals checked by the zoo’s medical team, and while their health was concerning, they were deemed fit to make the journey to our rescue center in Spain,’ Peter explains.

A challenging expedition

I want to tell you about four young lions that had a rough start to life. Along with Nila and Gyz, there was another lion named Flori who grew up in an apartment and ate cat food. Because of this improper diet, Flori’s bones didn’t develop properly, and now she probably has osteoporosis, which is a condition that makes your bones weak.

When we went to save these animals, we found another special creature named Zaire. Zaire is an African wild dog, but he can hardly see because he has cataracts. He needs surgery to fix his eyes. Zaire is a playful dog, but he grew up alone. African wild dogs are really social animals, so it’s unfortunate that he doesn’t have any other wild dogs to play with right now at AAP.

I want to share a heartwarming story with you. It’s about an incredible little monkey named Tomac and the journey he has been through.

Tomac used to be a circus performer, bringing joy and excitement to people’s lives. But his life took a tragic turn when his owner left for the war and never returned. Left all alone, Tomac’s world was shattered.

With his owner gone and his owner’s wife fleeing the country, Tomac found himself in a desperate situation. Fortunately, the Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP) organization came to his rescue. They brought Tomac to their rescue center in Spain, where he is currently in quarantine.

Now, Tomac is 20 years old and has the opportunity to finally find the peace and companionship he deserves. The AAP team is working tirelessly to introduce him to a group of lampoon monkeys so that he can live out his remaining days in a safe and loving environment.

Just think about it – after years of performing in a circus, Tomac is now going to experience the joy of simply being a monkey. No more entertaining people, no more stress. He will have the chance to bask in the sunlight and enjoy the company of other monkeys.

This story reminds us of the power of compassion and the difference we can make in an animal’s life. It’s heartening to know that organizations like AAP exist to provide a second chance to creatures like Tomac. We can all learn from their dedication and commitment to animal welfare.

A New Beginning

Once upon a time, there were two lions named Gyz and Kiara. These magnificent creatures had been saved from a challenging life in Ukraine and were now living in the loving care of AAP’s rescue center in Spain.

One of the rescued lions, Ruru, had a truly remarkable experience. After enduring a long and arduous journey from Ukraine, it finally had the opportunity to bask in the warm sunlight once again.

Ruru had spent its early years in a dilapidated shed, far away from any rays of sunlight. It was a desolate place, and the lion lived a solitary existence. Then, a chaotic upheaval occurred in the region – a war broke out. In the chaos, Ruru’s owner abandoned the shed, and unfortunately, the building was caught in the crossfire, flames engulfing it completely.

Amidst all the turmoil, there was a glimmer of hope. There had been other creatures living with Ruru’s owner – peacocks and turtles. Fortunately, a nearby shelter managed to rescue them from the blaze. However, amidst all the chaos, the keys to Ruru’s enclosure were lost, leaving it trapped and alone.

When I think about the owner of the shelter, Asya Serpinska, I can’t help but feel admiration. She stayed behind to take care of the abandoned animals, even in such a dangerous situation. One of the animals she looked after was Ruru. Asya fed Ruru for weeks, making sure he had enough to eat. She even went so far as to bribe Russian soldiers with cigarettes. Her goal? To ask them to remove the dangerous mines that were surrounding Ruru’s shed. Can you believe that? It must have been terrifying for Asya, but she was determined to keep Ruru safe.

Eventually, the Ukrainian soldiers came back and took back the town. It was a relief for everyone, especially for Asya and Ruru. They were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. With the town under Ukrainian control once again, Asya didn’t waste any time. She knew she had to get Ruru out of there. So, she rescued him and brought him to the border.

I was stunned when I heard Nila’s story. She was kept in some horrible club, being passed around for pictures like she was some sort of object. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. Thankfully, Wildlife Services came to her rescue and brought her to a safe haven in Spain.

Ruru’s journey was just as harrowing. He was taken to the Polish border and eventually ended up in Spain. Can you imagine what he must have gone through? Thankfully, Peter from Wildlife Services was able to save him. Now Ruru is finally able to bask in the sun and enjoy the fresh air that he has been deprived of his entire life.

It’s disheartening to hear that these animals will most likely never be able to return to the wild. They may spend the rest of their lives in zoos or sanctuaries. It’s a tough reality to accept.

As Peter and I wrap up our conversation, he receives a message about an escaped clouded leopard in the Netherlands. Without hesitation, he’s off to protect another wild animal’s freedom. It’s a never-ending battle, but Peter’s dedication is unwavering.