Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Kyiv Zoo Battles to Keep Animals Warm Amid Power Crisis
The Kyiv Zoo in Ukraine is working very hard to keep their animals warm during a cold winter.
The city is having power outages because of attacks on their energy systems.
The zoo staff can't leave, so they are working all day and night to make sure the animals, like Tony the gorilla and an elephant, stay warm and have enough water.
They use firewood and generators to keep the animals' homes at a comfortable temperature.
It's a big challenge for the staff, but they are doing their best to take care of the animals.
Kyiv Zoo staff are working around the clock to keep animals warm during power outages caused by Russian air strikes.
Tony the gorilla and other animals, including an elephant and bison, require constant care and warmth.
Generators run day and night to provide warmth, and staff deliver firewood five times a day to maintain cage temperatures at 20 degrees Celsius.
The zoo has water reserves to cover the elephant's daily need of 150 liters, ensuring they can operate autonomously for three days.
Staff are under significant stress, balancing the care of animals with their own survival needs amid the ongoing war.
- Who
- Kyiv Zoo staff and animals, including Tony the gorilla
- What
- Efforts to keep animals warm during power outages caused by Russian air strikes
- When
- January 23, 2024, amid freezing winter temperatures
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Why
- Russian air strikes have targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing power outages and cold temperatures
- Location
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Primary Concern
- Keeping animals warm during power outages
- Key Animal
- Tony the gorilla
- Temperature in Cages
- 20 degrees Celsius
- Water Reserves
- 150 liters per day for the elephant
- Staff Effort
- Around-the-clock work to maintain warmth
- Power Source
- Generators running day and night
- External Threat
- Russian air strikes on energy infrastructure
