16.04.26
For decades, countless dogs and cats across Eastern Europe have lived without care and protection, wandering the streets and fending for themselves. ‘Owned’ animals often haven’t been kept as beloved companions, but as tools for work or security. In countries like Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania, this long-standing mindset has left many animals without the safety they deserve.
That’s why our work began. Since 1994, we’ve been dedicated to improving conditions for the region’s dogs and cats – through education, long-term sterilisation programmes, and practical support for local shelters and rescue groups. By working alongside communities, we’re making a brighter future for animals who don’t have anyone else to speak up for them.
But Ukraine’s rescued wildlife needs our help too!
In 2026, Naturewatch Foundation is delighted to announce our support for Bila Skelia (or ‘White Rock’), a sanctuary near Kyiv that looks after wolves and bears saved from captivity or abuse.
Sadly, some wild animals are born in captivity or taken from their natural habitats for entertainment, illegal baiting, or other cruel purposes. The lucky ones make it to wildlife refuges, where they’re given the attention they need.
Bila Skelia is purposefully small – their goal isn’t to collect animals, but to rescue them and move them on to more suitable homes. Many bears have already been relocated to Domazhyr Bear Sanctuary and other centres, where conditions are much closer to their natural habitats.
Meet Balto and Chada, two of Bila Skelia’s current occupants…
Balto’s story
After being bred for the illegal pet trade, an Arctic wolf pup named Balto was bought for a child and spent his early years confined to a dark, cramped cage. Thankfully, he was later rescued and eventually transferred to Bila Skelia, where experienced carers could meet his needs as a large predator.
Today, Balto’s life looks very different. Although he cannot be released into the wild, he lives in a spacious, natural enclosure, has been gradually introduced to other wolves, and is finally able to enjoy simple pleasures – treats, a favourite toy, and racing with his new friends.
Chada’s story
Chada, a Himalayan bear, was born in captivity at Kyiv State Zoo in 1998 before being sold as a cub to the National Circus of Ukraine. After a long stretch of travelling, she was abandoned in a small, rusting cage in an industrial suburb of Kyiv, where she spent seven long years. With no rescue space available at the time, activists moved her to a private zoo – safer, but still far from the life she needed.
In 2019, Chada finally found a more suitable home at the Bila Skelia sanctuary. Today, she is active and curious, often seen playing with branches or splashing in her pool. Now elderly, she has poor eyesight and is missing several teeth—but she’s one of the sanctuary’s most popular residents!
Other animals at Bila Skelia have been rescued from equally deplorable living conditions, but we can all play a part in keeping them safe and healthy now.
Big impact starts with small acts of support
A key part of Naturewatch Foundation’s work is giving animal welfare organisations in Eastern Europe the resources they need to keep going, including large projects like building 16 insulated doghouses at the Step shelter in Brody and co-funding a reliable vehicle for NGO Promin Myloserdia in Kupyansk/Kharkiv.
But it’s not just the bigger initiatives that matter.
The everyday essentials our supporters help us provide (including medicines, vaccinations, and sterilisations) are just as vital, enabling rescuers on the ground to make life better for animals across the region.
Like dogs and cats, wolves and bears must be protected from parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms, which is costly due to their size. We are supplying Bila Skelia with a year’s worth of parasiticide for their residents and will continue to support them in the future.
Marina Shkvyria, the owner at Bila Skelia, said: “Thank you so much, Naturewatch Foundation, for the supply of Bravecto until the end of the year! It is an important part of animal safety and wellbeing”.
What can YOU do?
- Please consider donating or setting up a direct debit to fund our animal welfare work in the UK, Eastern Europe, and beyond. From cats and dogs to wolves and bears, every contribution helps us protect the animals who need it most. We couldn’t do it without you – thank you.
- Want to know more about how we’re caring for dogs and cats in Eastern Europe? Read about our ongoing work in Ukraine, Moldova and Romania.
- Follow us on social media and share our posts – you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and Linkedin.
- Join our mailing list for occasional updates on our campaigns.
