Amidst the escalation of hostilities on the Kharkiv front, the fate of one of Ukraine's most famous establishments — the "Feldman EcoPark" multi-complex — has become a pressing issue. Despite warnings from local authorities about the potential need to evacuate animals due to the threat of drone strikes, the park administration has officially stated that relocation is not planned. Management emphasizes that the establishment has an emergency action plan but continues to operate at its current location.

Three reasons why relocation is impossible

The eco-park team has outlined three key factors that make moving animals to another region practically unfeasible:

  • Lack of safe zones in Ukraine. No region of the country can currently be considered fully protected — the enemy is capable of attacking any point, including potential locations for housing the animals.
  • Technical complexity and lack of resources. Full relocation requires vast territory, the construction of new enclosures, and large-scale infrastructure. This requires significant funds and time, which are unavailable. Furthermore, other Ukrainian zoos are also under threat and do not have free space to accept animals from Kharkiv.
  • Threat to animal lives due to stress. The experience of the 2022 evacuation showed that a significant number of animals died not from strikes, but from stress during transportation. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that following the spring "baby boom" in the park, there are many newborn cubs that require stability and constant care.

The park is operating, but with restrictions

Despite the risks, "Feldman EcoPark" continues to accept visitors — free of charge. However, mass events have been maximally reduced or moved to an online format. Animals are actively participating in rehabilitation programs for wounded military personnel, displaced persons, and civilians affected by the war.

Authorities warn: evacuation may become inevitable

Oleh Synegubov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, previously stated that due to intensified Russian drone strikes in the area, the evacuation of animals in the future cannot be ruled out. According to him, the Regional Military Administration has already stopped mass events on the complex's territory several times due to a direct threat to visitors.

"The enemy knows that there is a gathering of people and everything else there. Of course, there may be provocations and direct strikes... We are communicating with them and preparing for the possibility that evacuation measures for this establishment may be carried out. Because further on, it will only be more difficult, which we, accordingly, predict," — noted Synegubov.

Situation on the northern approaches to Kharkiv

Security in the area remains extremely tense due to the activation of enemy drones. In particular, on May 21, 2026, due to the threat of aerial strikes, part of the Kharkiv ring road, which runs directly near the territory of the multi-complex, was temporarily closed to all vehicles.

Thus, although the management of "Feldman EcoPark" currently sees no need for relocation, the authorities continue to monitor the situation and are ready for emergency measures. The fate of the animals and staff of the park remains under the close attention of the public and international organizations.