Evacuation of Goats from Orikhiv: Rescuer and Owner Find New Home

In a remarkable effort to save animals in a war-torn region, 16 goats were recently evacuated from Orikhiv, Zaporizhia Oblast, thanks to the dedication of a Bulgarian animal volunteer named Petya. A month ago, Petya organized the evacuation of these goats to a temporary shelter at Pegas, located in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, as their owner was initially reluctant to leave the dangerous area without them.

According to Olena Rusina, the owner of the shelter, the goats and their owner had been living in the basement of his home for an extended period due to constant enemy shelling. The man had practically stopped taking the goats out to graze, as one of their outings resulted in a shelling incident where one goat was tragically killed in front of him. This incident was a significant blow to the owner.

"He loves these animals very much. It was a real shock for him. He was afraid to risk their lives, which is why he refused to leave the goats," Rusina noted, emphasizing the deep feelings the man had for his charges.

The evacuation of the animals took place in complete darkness through an opening in the basement where the man had been living with his goats. Olena Rusina reported that the animals were exhausted, and their mobility in the basement was severely limited. The goats were transported in two batches, as this was the only feasible way to ensure their safe relocation.

"One goat died the day after the evacuation. Their condition was not critical, as he did feed and water them. However, being confined in the basement without much movement certainly took a toll on their well-being," Rusina explained, adding that the animals urgently needed fresh air and normal living conditions.

Previously, the goat owner had been repeatedly offered the chance to leave the dangerous area, but he consistently refused to abandon his animals. It was only after a new home was found for both him and his goats that he agreed to the evacuation.

Currently, the goat owner remains in Orikhiv but plans to leave the dangerous territory in the coming days. As soon as he settles into his new home, he intends to retrieve his animals immediately. This story highlights the importance of caring for our four-legged friends even in the most challenging circumstances.

Tags: Evacuation, Zaporizhia Oblast, Animal Rescue, Goats