The Russian attack on Dnipro claimed the life of Gena the crocodile, who had been a symbol of the Aquarium for 25 years
As a result of Russian shelling of Dnipro, the “Aquarium” educational and research complex at Dnipro National University was damaged. The attack killed Gena, a Nile crocodile who had lived at the facility for over 25 years and had become its iconic symbol.
According to representatives of the “Aquarium,” the animal had spent many years within the complex and was a favorite among visitors. The enemy strike caused significant damage to the facility, and efforts to save the crocodile were unsuccessful.
The facility noted that Gena’s loss was painful not only for the staff but also for many residents of Dnipro, who knew him as part of the “Aquarium’s” history.
According to the facility, none of the employees were injured. The blast wave damaged the building’s facade, shattered windows, destroyed doors, and damaged lecture halls, laboratories, and one of the smaller aquariums.
The complex’s director, Mykola Yerukh, told “Suspilne” that a Russian missile struck several dozen meters from the building around 6 a.m. on July 5. Only a security guard was inside at the time; he was unharmed.
According to the director, Gena the crocodile, who had lived in the aquarium for 25 years, likely died from barotrauma caused by the blast wave.
“There is a type of barotrauma where, if a person falls into water during an explosion, they often cannot resurface because the blast wave exerts pressure on the water, effectively tearing the lungs apart from the inside. His lungs were also damaged,” Yerukh said.
Larysa Yerukh, the complex’s lead biologist, who had cared for the animal for over 20 years, noted that Gena survived the winter shelling, during which, due to the lack of electricity and heating, staff members were essentially living in the aquarium to maintain the necessary conditions.
“We were most worried about him this winter, and, unfortunately, this is what happened after the rocket attack. It’s very hard, honestly,” she said.
According to the director, the central tunnel aquarium was not damaged. They also managed to save the fish from the damaged tank by quickly relocating them to another aquarium. At the same time, due to the lack of windows, it is currently difficult to maintain the necessary temperature for the approximately 4,000 fish and animals kept at the complex.
The “Aquarium” educational and scientific complex is closed to visitors while repairs are underway.
Background: The “Aquarium” Educational and Scientific Complex is the only freshwater aquarium in Ukraine operating in government-controlled territory. The second such facility is located in temporarily occupied territory. The complex’s exhibition features 20 aquariums, each with a capacity of 1,200 liters, with a 100,000-liter tunnel aquarium taking center stage. It features fish from freshwater bodies in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and North and South America.
This was reported by Dnipro National University.
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