The ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops has shocked the world and affected millions of innocent lives. Many civilians have had to flee their homes, while others are under heavy fire.
Although the toll on human life has been tragic and immeasurable, it has also had major consequences for the animals in Ukraine, from pets stranded at the border to zoo animals frightened by the sound of bombs overhead.
But fortunately, there are also kind-hearted volunteers who have risked everything to evacuate these animals and bring them to safety.
Recently, one animal reached a safe haven across the border: a 7-year-old black bear named Malvina was evacuated from war-torn Ukraine to a nature reserve in Germany.
According to Associated Press, Malvina lived in a private zoo in Eastern Ukraine until the invasion began when she was transported to the White Rock Bear Shelter in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv.
From there, Malvina and several other black bears were transported to Germany on March 16 by the Animal Welfare Federation of Schleswig-Holstein.
“Because we still had space for a bear in our animal welfare center, it was immediately clear: Malvina is coming to us!” wrote the German non-profit organization Animal Welfare Federation on Facebook.
As was often the case during this crisis, transporting an animal through a war-torn country was not easy, but they brought Malvina out safely and now she is in good hands.
“The transport was difficult, but in the end, we were able to bring Malvina safely to Weidefeld.”
It is a happy turn of events for Malvina, who, according to the Animal Welfare Federation, “lived for years in a small cage in a private zoo” where she was under “catastrophic conditions” before being rescued in 2019.
“Malvina has now found a bear-worthy home with us and can recover from her long ordeal,” they wrote.
Malvina is now settling well into her new environment. White Rock Bear Shelter was happy to see their old friend come out safe and sound.
“Thank you to the incredible Animal Welfare Federation for providing a home for Malvina and congratulations from her,” they wrote. “So happy for our little girl.”
We are so glad Malvina is safe. Thanks to everyone who helped her find safer shores.
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