On 25 July, the ZooHub petting zoo opened at the Avenir Plaza shopping and entertainment centre in Bucha. Visitors can interact directly with animals, including exotic species. The venue provoked heated debate in local communities even before it opened.

This is reported in an article by TheBuchaCity, which polled its readers on the subject.

The Instagram poll drew 325 participants. More than sixty per cent — two in every three respondents — opposed petting zoos. Only about one in six supported the idea, and roughly the same share were undecided. Critics' main arguments concern animal welfare and the ethics of using animals for entertainment.

Representatives of Avenir Plaza insist their venue differs from traditional zoos: the animals live in spacious areas adapted to their needs and are under constant veterinary supervision.

Legally, petting zoos remain permitted in Ukraine — the Law on the Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment bans travelling circuses and mobile menageries, but not permanent petting facilities. In late June, a petition demanding a full ban on petting zoos was registered on the President's website.

No official comment from Bucha City Council or the animal rights organisation UAnimals was available at the time of publication.

Nota bene

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