Free zoo admission for refugees from Ukraine

The daily news coming out of Ukraine has left us shocked and appalled. Alongside our horror at the human suffering, we are naturally also worried about the situation in the Ukrainian zoos. We have been receiving many enquiries as to if and how we can help our colleagues in the country. We are in close contact with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), which is coordinating all aid requests and offers. At the moment, to the knowledge of the EAZA, donations in kind are not required by zoos in the Ukrainian Association of Zoos & Aquariums (UAZA). It is our opinion, therefore, that spontaneous initiatives on the part of individual zoos are not particularly constructive. As soon as the UAZA makes any specific requests, we will of course support them to the best of our ability. At present, monetary donations are without doubt the best way to help. A relief fund has been set up by the EAZA to raise donations for Ukrainian zoos: https://www.eaza.net/emergency-appeal-for-ukrainian-zoos/<https://www.eaza.net/emergency-appeal-for-ukrainian-zoos/?fbclid=IwAR3xJXHT3XMYgRJZlwozzB47MHsJdkWF8C_5byrKLKOVufsmerW07sFo_V8>

Dresden Zoo is currently focusing on what we can actually do right here. To demonstrate our profound solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all those who have been forced to flee their home, we are offering Ukrainian refugees free admission to our zoo upon production of a valid Ukrainian passport/ID card. In doing so, we hope to offer families and children caught up in this devastating situation a modicum of distraction and diversion.