Ukrainian Odessa Zoo reopens for the first time since invasion
- Published
Hundreds of Ukrainians headed to the Odessa Zoo over the weekend.
It was the first time the zoo, located in Southern Ukraine, has opened since Russia invaded the country last month.
A lot of people who are still in Ukraine had requested for the zoo to be reopened following its closure.
Lots of families showed up on the day and children were given the opportunity to pet and feed animals.
Some also got the chance to take a ride on camels and horses.
The zoo has over 1,600 animals from all around the world including monkeys, mice and tigers.
The zoo is also home to elephants, birds and bears.
Another 400 animals at the zoo are pets that had to be left behind by Ukrainians fleeing when the war began.
People from all around the world bought tickets online while the zoo was shut to help provide funds for animal food and pay for the workers.
The support had been so great that the zoo had to ask people not to purchase tickets ahead of its reopening on Saturday to ensure local residents would be able to buy tickets and visit.
A similar campaign to support a zoo in the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv which is home to more than 4,000 animals is also underway.
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