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Volunteers frantically evacuated animals from a zoo on the outskirts of war-torn Kyiv Wednesday amid shelling between Ukrainian and Russian fighters, according to wild photos.

The images show volunteers dragging a pony that had collapsed from stress onto a truck at a private zoo in the village of Yasnohorodka, roughly 25 miles from the capital city, which has been under siege by Russian invaders for weeks.

In another photo, a Ukrainian serviceman is seen trying to avoid being bitten by an ostrich as he wrangles the large, flightless bird — but the evacuation was halted by shelling before it was finished.


  A Ukrainian serviceman petting an ostrich as animals are getting evacuated from the zoo. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda A Ukrainian serviceman petting an ostrich as animals are getting evacuated from the zoo. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda

  The serviceman avoiding an ostrich bite. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda The serviceman avoiding an ostrich bite. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda

The zoo was nearly destroyed, and some animals died as enclosures caught on fire amid the fighting, according to the local news sitemykiev.net.

“Our [zoo] is almost destroyed and the situation in Yasnohorodka is very difficult. There are prolonged hostilities. Therefore, we have great difficulties in feeding and keeping the animals. We are trying to evacuate animals and ask all those who are not indifferent to [help],” the owner of the zootold the outlet.

Thousands of animals have been trapped at zoos in the area for weeks as food supplies dwindle, and stress from bombs and gunfire wreak havoc on their health.


  Volunteers leading a blindfolded pony to a truck. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda Volunteers leading a blindfolded pony to a truck. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda

  Ukrainian troops and volunteers pushing a donkey from the zoo onto a truck. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda Ukrainian troops and volunteers pushing a donkey from the zoo onto a truck. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda

Russia on Tuesday vowed to “radically” reduce attacks around Kyiv and Chernihiv as a good-will gesture amid peace talks, but attacks reportedly continued near the capital city Wednesday.

With Post wires

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