The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pressure_builds_to_close_100_year_old_kiev_zoo_after_hundreds_of_animal_deaths/2011/03/23/ABRaFMHB_story.html?wprss=rss_world

And theFox affiliate in DC http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/shocking-number-of-animals-dying-at-kiev-zoo-032311

And a link from of all places Forbes http://billionaires.forbes.com/article/05bye1p8regUl?q=Europe all had very negative reports of the animal deaths, bad feeding practices and filthy conditions animals are subjected to.

I’m not a animal right zealot by any stretch of the imagination. But I believe the cruelty being caused at the Kyiv Zoo needs to be faced head on. Rather than pretend there is no problem, directors and their executives need to be finding good homes for these animals and shutter this horrible place.

It is simply outrageous the level of care. Zoo management can blame budget problems, the financial crisis, animal medical issues, etc. Surely the directors of the zoo have enough clarity in this situation to recognize that animals need to be relocated for their own good. Does the national government need any more egg on its already dirty face? I don’t think so!

Let’s hope that the directors exercise integrity and realize that it’s not necessary to have a zoo unless you are ready to take care of your principal assets – the animals, birds, reptiles, etc. I would urge the zoo directors to set out a 6 month plan to divest themselves of all their animals. Find them a good home in a different zoo, wild animal park or preserve.

This is about saving face, and not embarrassing yourself any further. By keeping the zoo open and continuing the neglect of these creatures, Kyiv runs the risk of continued international pressure, ridicule and prolonged scrutiny from many quarters; all coming at a time when the Ukrainian government is struggling to be ready for Euro 2012. With all the added 2012 visitors coming to Kyiv, the zoo will make us the laughing-stock of Europe when visitors decide to take a break from their football matches and select the zoo as a sightseeing destination; how sad for the animals and how pathetic of the humans who have their hand in mismanaging this zoo.

I urge all expats and especially Kyiv citizens to be in contact with zoo administration and the media to voice your concerns. If you are from a city that has a great zoo as my does, email them these links I’ve highlighted above and make a case for them to acquire some of these forlorn creatures.

Mike Lynn is an American living in Kyiv. He can be reached at [email protected].

It’s time to do the right thing and close this zoo forever! Save the animals!