On June 15, Russian forces targeted the zoo in Kharkiv, resulting in damage to animal enclosures and casualties among the animals. This incident was confirmed by the city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov.
Terekhov stated, “Confirmed hits on the zoo have been reported, and we are currently assessing the extent of the damage to the enclosures.” He also noted that there were injuries among the animals.
Subsequently, the Kharkiv regional prosecutor’s office provided an update, revealing that ten rabbits had died as a result of the drone strike on the zoo. “Initial reports indicated a higher number of animal fatalities, but fortunately, those figures have not been substantiated,” the office stated.
This incident follows a series of attacks on Kharkiv by Russian forces, including a recent strike that resulted in the deaths of five emergency responders from the State Emergency Service (SES) while they were extinguishing a fire caused by a prior shelling.
Additionally, prior to the zoo attack, Russian forces had targeted the Kharkiv Art Museum, leading to several individuals seeking medical assistance due to acute stress reactions.
The recent attack on Kharkiv Zoo by Russian forces resulted in damage to animal enclosures and the death of ten rabbits. This incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on Kharkiv, which has seen significant civilian and structural damage in recent days.