Two wolves rescued from Ukraine arrive safely in Greece

(Thessaloniki, 22 February 2024) – Two Eurasian wolves have arrived safely at a sanctuary in Northern Greece after being evacuated from war-torn Ukraine.  

Dora and Venera, two female wolves, were cared for at Wild Animal Rescue centre near Kyiv since April and November 2023 respectively. While there, permanent homes were secured for them at the Arcturos Environmental Centre and Bear Sanctuary in Greece with IFAW on hand to carry out part of the rescue from Ukraine.   

The Arcturos sanctuary is a specialist centre for wolves, as well as bears, lynx and other European wild animals. Dora and Venera will join a pack of other wolves or establish a new pack of their own in the Agrapidies area of the sanctuary – a large, natural 70,000 m2 oak forest positioned at an altitude of 650 metres, closely resembling their natural habitat. Crucially, it will provide a peaceful refuge away from the warzone.  

Dora is an adult female wolf who was discovered caged and alone with rickets in her back legs near the Belarus border after her owners had fled Ukraine. Local residents took it upon themselves to provide sporadic feedings when possible. Evacuating Dora was a dangerous mission due to the high density of mines in the region, although Natalia Popova, founder of Wild Animal Rescue, and her team were able to get her out safely. It is understood she was taken from the wild as a pup and raised by humans.  

After being rescued, Dora spent a long time in rehabilitation at White Rock Bear Shelter, operated by our partners Save Wild and next door to Wild Animal Rescue. “She went through a long rehabilitation process, so we are very glad that she will now spend the rest of her live in safety and with the dignity she deserves,” says Dr. Maryna Shkvyria from White Rock Bear Shelter.  

Venera is about one-year-old and was rescued from the Kyiv region. It’s believed she was fraudulently sold as a domestic dog when she was a pup by illegal wildlife traders. As she matured, it became clear from her behaviour that she was in fact a wild animal, and the owners couldn’t care for her. She has been at Wild Animal Rescue since late 2023. 

“Dora and Venera have very different stories, but both tell a tale of suffering at the hands of humans. Even though these wolves can’t be released, they will get their happy ending – moving from a warzone where they have been neglected and rejected, to a peaceful woodland haven, surrounded by their own kind,” says Natalia Gozak, Wildlife Rescue Field Officer (Ukraine) at IFAW. “Wild animals should thrive in the wild and not be held captive.” 

As the majority of wild animals taken from the wild and placed in captivity have limited care options and cannot always be released back to the wild, partner organisations have been looking to find suitable homes where they will receive lifelong care.  

“It’s a difficult time for everyone here in Ukraine. These wolves must have been so frightened and confused. Although there are many more animals that need rescuing—I am relieved these wolves now have a better life ahead,” Natalia Popova, Wild Animal Rescue, said.  

Press contact 

For questions or interviews, please contact: 

Annelyn Close 
Senior Communications Manager 
+31 6 3900 8592 
aclose@ifaw.org