Rescue of exotic animals in Ukraine: help from UVMF & AEMV

UVMF is convinced that exotic animals need no less attention and care than four-legged pets.

We share the story of the family of veterinarians Leonid and Valentyna Stoyanov. Turtles, chameleons, frogs, monkeys, capuchins, snakes, boas, and even lions are not just a list, but real patients they care for. The couple has been rescuing exotic animals that require special care and treatment for many years.

It was especially difficult at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Then, in the first three days, people left about 400 animals in their clinic, and in the first month – about a thousand.

The doctors keep under their care only those who will not survive without their help, while the rest find new owners and the best living conditions.

“Everyone treats cats and dogs, and these animals are no worse. They should be provided with qualified help,” Leonid Stoyanov is convinced.

Currently, the couple has a lynx, which people once bought as a toy for their child and later brought to the Stoyanovs to rescue. Now the animal is doing well and is being prepared to move.

“We are now in correspondence with the European Union, who is ready to take it under normal conditions. I think that by the end of the year we will find a home for it,” said Leonid Stoyanov.

Jörg Mayer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, professor and speaker of the USAVA Congress, decided to help his Ukrainian colleagues. Together with AEMV, he collected and donated funds to UVMF for those who rescue exotic animals in Ukraine. The money will be used to help animals and train veterinarians. Together with AEMV, he raised and donated funds to UVMF for those who rescue exotic animals in Ukraine.

The money will be used to help animals and train veterinarians who want to work in this field. After all, in order to rescue exotic animals, Ukraine needs specialists, and there are very few like the Stoyanov family.

“I would like to work in a training center with foreign specialists, our specialists. Maybe on the basis of our clinic or another one. But the need for exotic animal veterinarians is very high in Ukraine. I would like to thank the American Association of Exotic Mammalian Veterinarians for their concern for Ukrainian exotic animal doctors,” Leonid Stoyanov said.

Join our initiatives! Let’s help our four-legged and winged friends together!