War horrors: Ukrainian zoo volunteer who saved hundreds of animals killed in Russian strike
Olha Kuzmenko, a volunteer who rescued cats and dogs in the frontline city of Druzhkivka, was killed by a Russian guided aerial bomb. She traveled 5 km daily to feed animals and refused evacuation due to her husband.
The war in Ukraine has claimed another victim, this time a devoted animal rescuer. Olha Kuzmenko, a zoo volunteer known for saving hundreds of cats and dogs from dangerous areas, was killed in Druzhkivka, Donetsk Oblast, in a Russian guided aerial bomb attack.
The charitable foundation "12 Vartovykh" (12 Guards) reported that Olha engaged daily in rescuing and feeding stray animals in the frontline city. The last contact with her was on July 7; by July 8, she had stopped appearing online. "Our regular applicant, with whom we evacuated and saved countless animals – hundreds if not thousands," the foundation stated.
A life dedicated to animals
Olha did not live in Druzhkivka itself but in an even more dangerous settlement near the village of Raiske. She refused evacuation not because of the animals, but because of her husband's reluctance. "Dozens of times, both we and other colleagues offered to help her leave and be safe. Olha was resolute," the foundation added.
The organization "Rehabilitation & Adoption of Rescued Animals" described her as "a small, quiet woman, but her courage was immense." During her lifetime, Olha rejoiced like a child when the animals she rescued found homes with people.
Her final journey
In a recent Facebook post, Olha wrote that she travels five kilometers to Druzhkivka every day on her e-bike to care for animals. "There are locations where I feed the animals, and I also meet some along the way. I always have water, dry and wet food and porridge on my e-bike for such occasions," she shared.
Olha left behind 10 dogs and 20 cats, which volunteers will now try to transport to Kramatorsk and eventually find new families for. The last two cats from Olha – Tryufel and Husar – have already arrived in Dresden, Germany, with their new owner.
