Feldman Ecopark
Ukraine·Regional Landscape Park
Feldman Ecopark was a regional landscape park in Ukraine that combined animal care with therapy for children with special needs. Established as a project of the ICF "Oleksandr Feldman Foundation," it was largely destroyed during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, resulting in significant loss of life among staff and animals, and the theft of resources.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Lisne, Kharkiv Raion, Ukraine.
- ›Combined animal care with therapy for children with special needs.
- ›A project of the ICF "Oleksandr Feldman Foundation."
- ›Suffered extensive destruction during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- ›Experienced theft of vegetables intended for animal feed.
- ›Approximately 6,000 animals were evacuated from the park.
Orangutans, Chimpanzees, Bisons, African Buffaloes, Lions
About Feldman Ecopark
Feldman Ecopark, officially the Regional Landscape Park "Feldman-Ecopark" (Ukrainian: Регіональний ландшафтний парк «Фельдман-Екопарк»), was a significant regional landscape park situated in Lisne, Kharkiv Raion, Ukraine. Before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the park was recognized for its unique integration of animal care with therapeutic programs designed for children with special needs. This initiative was a key project undertaken by the ICF "Oleksandr Feldman Foundation."
Impact of the 2022 Russian Invasion
The park suffered catastrophic damage and devastation during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The conflict led to the widespread destruction of the ecopark's facilities and a tragic loss of life among its staff. During the shelling, three workers were killed, and two more were found shot dead after returning to the park to care for the animals. Furthermore, Russian forces reportedly stole vegetables intended for animal feed.
The invasion also resulted in the deaths of numerous animals. Notable casualties included two orangutans and one chimpanzee. A couple of bisons were killed by shelling, leaving a ten-month-old calf orphaned. In total, over 100 animals perished within the park due to further Russian attacks. Approximately 6,000 animals were successfully evacuated from the park, though a sixth volunteer was killed during the evacuation of African buffaloes.
Subsequent attacks continued to impact the park. In July 2024, two employees sustained injuries from a Russian drone strike on the ecopark's grounds. In January 2026, a Russian glide bomb struck the park, destroying the predators’ winter enclosure and the winter aviary, leading to the deaths of multiple birds and injuries to several lions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Feldman Ecopark?
Feldman Ecopark was a regional landscape park located in Lisne, Kharkiv Raion, Ukraine. It was known for its dual purpose of providing animal care and offering therapy for children with special needs.
What happened to Feldman Ecopark during the 2022 invasion?
The park was largely destroyed during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. This resulted in the deaths of several workers and numerous animals, as well as the theft of supplies.
Were animals harmed during the invasion?
Yes, many animals were harmed or killed. This included two orangutans and one chimpanzee, as well as multiple birds and several lions. A ten-month-old bison was orphaned.
Were any staff members killed at Feldman Ecopark?
Tragically, several staff members and volunteers lost their lives. Three workers died during shelling, and two more were found shot dead after returning to feed the animals. Another volunteer was killed during an animal evacuation.
Was anything stolen from the park?
Yes, vegetables that were intended for animal feed were stolen by Russian forces.
Were there any recent incidents at the park?
In July 2024, two employees were injured in a Russian drone strike on the eco-park's territory. In January 2026, a Russian glide bomb destroyed the predators’ winter enclosure and aviary.
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