The Kiev Zoo was once a source of pride for Ukraine's capital city, but activists are now crying foul against what hardly seems like an animal sanctuary.
Animal rights groups say that possibly hundreds of animals have died at the Kiev Zoo in recent years as a result of poor living conditions, malnutrition and inadequate medical care, The Associated Press reports.
The 100-year-old zoo's casualties include a collapsed Indian elephant named Boy; Maya the camel, who succumbed to digestive illness; and Theo the zebra, who suffered a fatal encounter with a metal fence.
One activist even called the park, home to 2,600 creatures from 328 species, an animal concentration camp.
Despite the negativity, zoo director Oleksiy Tolstoukhov is quick to defend the institution.
It's not as bad as they say, Tolstoukhov said. In all the zoos, including in Europe, animals don't live a million years. They also die and get sick.
In October, owners replaced the zoo's management in an effort to repair the park's tarnished reputation. And while the new operators will point to their predecessors' horrendous track record, as well as a government audit showing reckless spending and illegally sold animals, the zoo's wildlife continues to perish.
Rest of article with picture and video: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/24/activists-hundreds-of-animal-dying-at-kiev-zoo/
Animal rights groups say that possibly hundreds of animals have died at the Kiev Zoo in recent years as a result of poor living conditions, malnutrition and inadequate medical care, The Associated Press reports.
The 100-year-old zoo's casualties include a collapsed Indian elephant named Boy; Maya the camel, who succumbed to digestive illness; and Theo the zebra, who suffered a fatal encounter with a metal fence.
One activist even called the park, home to 2,600 creatures from 328 species, an animal concentration camp.
Despite the negativity, zoo director Oleksiy Tolstoukhov is quick to defend the institution.
It's not as bad as they say, Tolstoukhov said. In all the zoos, including in Europe, animals don't live a million years. They also die and get sick.
In October, owners replaced the zoo's management in an effort to repair the park's tarnished reputation. And while the new operators will point to their predecessors' horrendous track record, as well as a government audit showing reckless spending and illegally sold animals, the zoo's wildlife continues to perish.
Rest of article with picture and video: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/24/activists-hundreds-of-animal-dying-at-kiev-zoo/
