Russia's ongoing assault on Ukraine, four years in,
has not only harmed millions of people. It's also had catastrophic effects on wildlife and the environment. Key habitats and food supplies have been decimated. Migratory pathways disrupted. And in many cases, animals are outright killed by bombs or other weaponry. And it's indiscriminate - harming
endangered species as well as other wildlife.
The results are devastating, especially on
birds. One-third of white storks' nests sit empty. Others have had to adapt their usual diets to subsist on rats. Some have suffered serious wounds, including maiming, broken body parts, burns, and more.
Sign the petition to demand world leaders support Ukraine and intervene to end Russia's war!Sunny the owl is one of the birds affected. He's a beautiful tan-and-black male long-eared owl who was found in south-eastern Ukraine after a Russian bombardment. He can't care for himself anymore, because
his left wing was so badly wounded, it had to be amputated. Now, he hops to get around. His lingering brain trauma makes it difficult for him to see; in fact, he appears to be
blind in one eye now. He will never be able to return to the wild - but luckily, volunteers have been tending to Sunny to make sure he gets the care and love he needs.
Other birds have suffered from
heart attacks due to the war; some from
starvation and dehydration. Still others have been caught in
fires and explosions. Weapons have left behind terrible pollution that has poisoned some wildlife to death. And then, cables and nets dropped as part of war operations can ensnare birds and other wildlife, getting the animals tangled up and unable to escape.
Animals don't understand what's going on when humans attack each other. They didn't evolve alongside bombs, guns, or fighter jets. Still, they're amazingly resilient - especially when shown kindness, like with Sunny and the volunteer rescuers in Ukraine. But they shouldn't have to rely on volunteers to stay safe.
World leaders promised over and over to deliver peace and to restore Ukraine to its full dignity. But the war has already been going on for more than four years. People and animals can't wait. Sign the petition to demand world leaders put an end to Russia's war and support Ukraine in securing peace!