For the first time, dogs with bright blue fur have been spotted in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Photos of the animals were published by the volunteer organization Dogs of Chernobyl, which cares for the population of stray dogs living in the Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve.
According to volunteers, the animals had their usual coloring just a week ago, but their fur has since turned a vivid blue shade. Experts are now trying to determine the cause of the color change and plan to capture several dogs for examination.
Preliminary assumptions suggest that the animals may have come into contact with a chemical substance or industrial residue left in the area from past human activity.
Dogs of Chernobyl noted that despite their unusual appearance, the dogs are active, appear healthy, and show no signs of poisoning. Volunteers emphasized that their main goal now is to assess the animals’ condition and determine whether the situation poses any risk to them or to people.
The Dogs of Chernobyl organization has been operating in the exclusion zone since 2017. Its team vaccinates, sterilizes, monitors, and cares for more than a hundred dogs living near the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Read also: Grants for creative entrepreneurs within the framework of the “Greenhouse of Ideas” programme
