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Plight of Zoo Animals Trapped in Warzone

Updated: Jul 6, 2022

By Vedant Gupte

2nd Year Student of Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur

"Humans have waged wars against each other and not only humankind but also other species suffered because of them. Earlier wild animals suffered fires started to drive out rival parties but now when in modern times war has come to cities and streets the animals trapped in zoo suffer. The article talks about their suffering."
 


The plight of Zoo Animals Trapped in Warzone

Since time immemorable, humankind has engaged in war. Wars were fought for various purposes like acquiring territories, revenge, and becoming politically or strategically powerful in a region among many others. In ancient and medieval times, the victorious party usually took over the land and citizens of the previous state. This meant that all the spoils of war went to the state or kingdom which emerged victorious. This includes wealth, the land, the tax paid by the citizens, the livestock etc. Not only did people from the defeated kingdom starve or were oppressed and exploited but also the livestock of the farmers faced the wrath of wars. Not only were they snatched away from their “homes” but also, they were used or consumed without mercy.


This attitude and predicament of captive or trapped animals did not change in modern times. Even today animals in zoos or livestock and agricultural lands face a similar situation today. But the problems are now different and heightened. They are far more complex and are apparently not discussed. The Geneva Conventions highlight humanitarian rights during the war – yet animals’ rights aren’t considered, and places such as zoos - set up for entertainment purposes, often become battlegrounds in conflicts. The animals are captive and unable to flee – yet are subject to regular attacks. We strongly believe that both civilians and animals deserve protection.[1]


This article talks about the plight of animals trapped in war zones, and the kind of treatment meted out to them. The article addresses the animals in zoos subjected to atrocities during wartime. The most recent example of this Gordian’s nest is the Ukraine – Russia war. The article will analyse its subject matter with respect to the recent War.

Zoo animals are trapped by design. They are either taken or bred in an environment that’s not their natural habitat and forced into enclosures so that they can’t escape, for the benefit of paying visitors. This leads to tragedy when their enclosures are no longer in a safe place and the income dries up as we have seen in Ukraine.[2] The war in Ukraine is heart-breaking - countless innocent lives are being lost every day, and 4.3 million people have fled the country. We are devastated by the humanitarian tragedy unfolding and are deeply disturbed by the immense suffering this is causing for animals. Animals are often the forgotten victims of conflicts and wars.


In particular, zoo animals in Ukraine have found themselves trapped in the middle of a terrifying conflict through no fault of their own. This has led to the prospect of some zoos stating that they will have to euthanise many of their animals[3], which has led to a despairing outcry, and rightly so.


The fact is, when wild animals are taken out of their natural habitat (the ones in which they were expected to live), makes them dependent on humans for their food, care, hygiene etc. Placing complex, rational and endangered wild animals, in captivity of any kind is not only cruel, it also leaves them at the mercy of external crises like economic downturns, pandemics, or war.

The Geneva Conventions highlight humanitarian rights during the war – yet animals’ rights aren’t even discussed - set up for entertainment purposes, and often becoming battlegrounds in conflicts. The animals are captive and unable to flee and are yet subject to regular attacks. Many animals were being killed, or the zoo enclosures were partly destroyed. This poses immense danger to both animals and people in case of an escape, especially in urban areas. The loud noises and sights of war also traumatised and stress out the animals. Sights of war are pleasant not to anyone anywhere no matter who, even veterans of war wrinkle their noses at the sight of war. Both civilians and animals deserve protection from the war.


There are basically three problems associated with animals left in captivity such as zoos:

Firstly, there are supply issues i.e., shortages of food and medicines in war-struck regions. Carnivores in particular such as big cats, need huge amounts of meat to meet their hunger which is not only expensive but difficult to obtain in times of crisis.


Secondly, reaching safe and secure premises can be logistically challenging. First of all, it’s extremely dangerous to step out in a war zone, and made worse by the fact that there are no safe corridors nor have there been made a guarantee made about them. Loading already stressed animals into crates to be transported through chaotic conflict zones can cause severe illness or even death[4], not to mention the threat of being hit by military strikes. There is a need for specialised transport needs, such as mobile cages to consider.


Thirdly – finding safe places for so many animals is a challenge in itself. The zoos are responsible for the safety of hundreds of animals. Mykolaiv Zoo in Ukraine alone, for example, is positioned in an area of intense military actions and has 4,000 wild animals, from 200 different species. Wild animals have complex needs and will need life-long care. This is no small feat – it’s an expensive commitment.


Ukraine illustrates the peril caused to wild animals when placed in captivity and leaves them as vulnerable to human-caused activity and tragedy. It is vital we have a future where wild animals live in wildlife, thriving in their natural habitat and not subject to life in captivity.


Many organizations have carried out rescue operations for animals in Ukraine when they were left behind. BBC did an extensive article on the same. UK office of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) supports shelters in Ukraine and has been supplying resources like food, and veterinary supplies and paying the wages of staff during the war to ensure animals can carry on being looked after. They've been providing emergency aid to staff who've reported a dire situation with 1,100 dogs in their care. And staying to look after the animals is obviously dangerous. At one shelter, staff say they're too scared to light a fire in case it draws unnecessary attention.

PETA Germany has been on the border trying to "shepherd animals out safely". Two tonnes of cat and dog food have been donated, as well as giving blankets to people who've been walking vast distances.


Reports suggest animals from the Save Wild bear sanctuary near Kyiv were transported to Poland, where a zoo has offered them refuge for the duration of the war. But this isn’t enough mere charity to victims of war is like putting ointment on a bone fracture. Firm measures must be taken. Animals must also be recognised as victims of war. Special arraignments must be made for evacuation and shelter of these animals. These shelters must have a unique symbol and should not be attacked. Special provisions must be supplied to the animal shelters. Special corridors must be created for the safe evacuation of animals and for the entry of organisations supporting the cause. These volunteers must not be harmed.

And most importantly, the animals captured or trapped must not be treated as spoils of war. They have life and have a right to live. Animals are not human stocks or properties.

 

[1] Trapped in war - captive animals suffer too. They belong in the wild, Roberto Vieto, (https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/zoo-animals-ukraine-rescue-wildlife) [2] Ibid, 1. [3] https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/ukraine-bear-rescue-wildlife-animals (visited on 24/05/2022 18:39). [4] Pohlin, Friederike & Hooijberg, Emma & Meyer Leith, (2021), Challenges to animal welfare during transportation of wild mammals: A review (1990-2020), Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 52.

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