Odesa Zoo accepts animals from Kherson that were washed ashore
After the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP, the Odesa coast witnessed not only debris or fallen trees from Kherson, but also animals washed up from that city.
Some of the animals were brought to the zoo by Odesa residents, Head of the Odesa Zoo Ihor Biliakov said at a briefing at the Media Centre Ukraine.
"Animals on reeds were washed up on the shore. These are mostly small animals, such as Danube newts," he said.
Biliakov added that these are rare species, and most of them unfortunately died. Currently, about 100 newts are in the Odesa Zoo, but they are to be released into the wild later.
Other animals from freshwater reservoirs were also brought to the zoo: lake frogs, swamp turtles and water snakes, which are mistaken for vipers. According to the head of the zoo, the reptile is unique to the Odesa Oblast. This snake can live in seawater and feed on fish.
"Everyone who sees snakes – do not mistake everyone for a viper, do not be afraid, do not be frightened and do not harm the snakes. Snakes are our friends, vipers and water snakes alike," Biliakov urged citizens.
Odesa residents also brought eight muskrats to the menagerie. The zoo head notes that zoo workers could not catch them in the sea. They made five attempts at the request of concerned residents but it was in vain.
The rescued animals were released into the Dniester River within the Lower Dniester National Nature Park
Background: Apart from the animals taken from the menagerie, a dog was washed out on the sea coast of Odesa. It was saved by caring Odesa residents.
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