A Ukrainian zoo may have to euthanize its big cats, bears, and other large predators after Russian shelling nearly destroyed their enclosures

The zoo in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv may have to put down some of its large animals after they were almost destroyed by Russian bombardment.

The founder of the park issued a statement on Tuesday saying that the park was looking for ways to temporarily house the animals, failing which it would be to kill them.

Eco park is no more. The founder said that this can be said quite definitely. Infrastructure destroyed, enclosures destroyed.

The enclosures aremiraculously retaining their integrity but would likely be compromised by another round of shelling. The park is concerned that predatory animals may escape their enclosures and enter the city or nearby villages.

It is incredibly painful to talk about this, but the main priority is the lives of people.

The damage done to some enclosures was shown in a video on the park's Facebook page.

The zoo once again called for help in getting its animals out of harms way, saying that the euthanization of animals is the extreme measure that they hope will not happen.

It requires special transport and a large number of people to move big cats and bears. The zoo noted that the movements would draw the attention of Russian forces, who may start shelling the area again.

In a separate update, the park said it received responses from Ukrainians across the country who offered modes of transport and cages. The zoo said it has begun to evacuate some animals.

Transport is already coming to us, necessary cages are coming, people who are not afraid to take animals out of the shooting zone are ready to accept our pets in many places, according to the park's statement.

It said that the process is only gaining traction and that it would need more help with finances, animal food, and manpower.

There is a donation page for the park.