Near Kyiv, the only swan sanctuary in Ukraine may face closure, prompting alarm from wildlife rescuers.

Under Kyiv, the only swan rehabilitation center in Ukraine is closing down. This was reported by its director, biologist Sergey Grigoriev.

“The shelter for animals, swans, pigeons, and chamois operated at the Mezhyhirya Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, which historically owned the lands of the lower park territory, Rakove Lake. I had hoped to keep the shelter on the territory of Rakove Lake, which historically belongs to the Mezhyhirya Monastery, where the shelter was established, but this issue remains unresolved. Although the land in the lower territory is historically owned by the monastery, legally it belongs to the park. Currently, there is no possibility to continue the shelter's work at another location,” he stated.

In Mezhyhirya, swans lived on four ponds and 11 hectares of grassy fields, having the opportunity to roam, graze, and fly from one body of water to another. The uniqueness of the site was also due to its proximity to the Kyiv Reservoir and the migratory route along which swans of three species migrate in spring and autumn.

The Kyiv Animal Rescue Group noted that Mezhyhirya is located right on the migration path of swan flocks, so the rehabilitated and flight-ready birds would join them and fly away.

Some, even after fully recovering, stayed there because they were fed and cared for.

The non-freezing water bodies in winter and the unique location made the Mezhyhirya shelter for swans a distinctive place.

Now, animal rescuers say that, unfortunately, if the national park Mezhyhirya does not change its position, the rescue of swans may be completely halted, and birds that suffer injuries, traumas, or illnesses will be doomed to perish, as other shelters for birds like the Nushanik Estate and the Wild Animal Rescue Center cannot physically accommodate more than a few individuals.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel t.me/sudua and to Google News SUD.UA, as well as our VIBER, page on Facebook and on Instagram, to stay informed about the most important events.