Danylo Bumatsenko, a journalist for UAnimals Media, won the grand prize in the Spivprostir journalism contest for his story on how Hetmanskyi National Park is recovering from occupation.
The contest, organized for the second time by Save Pets of Ukraine with the support of Kormotech, aims to raise awareness about animal welfare issues. According to the organizers, “Humane treatment, the creation of an inclusive environment for cohabitation, and responsible adoption of animals reflect a mature society.”
Journalists submitted 160 stories covering topics such as animal adoption and rescue during the war, its impact on biodiversity, and the work of shelters. Participants explored questions like making urban spaces more animal-friendly and shared stories of animals with disabilities.
The winners are:
- Danylo Bumatsenko, for his piece “How Hetmanskyi National Park Is Recovering from Occupation,” UAnimals Media — grand prize.
- Iryna Tanasiychuk, “Pet-friendly or Not? About Adoption, the Fate of Stray Dogs, and Pet Parents’ Rights in Ukraine,” Vikna-Novyny — first place.
- Valeria Shcheblykina, “What Beethoven, Hachiko, and Dog Patron Won’t Tell Us or Why Not to Choose a Pet Based on Pop Culture?” URSA MEDIA, and Natalia Pendyur, “Kupiansk Paradise: Diaries of a Veterinary Mission to Kharkiv Region,” UAnimals Media — second place.
- Daria Lobanok, “The War Hurts Not Only People but Animals: The Story of a Wild Duck with a Prosthesis in Kharkiv,” Gwara Media; Kateryna Hlavatskykh, “How Wild Animals Suffer Due to War: The Disappearance of Rare Species,” Sil Media; and Inha Pavliy, “Silent Witnesses of War: The Fate of Animals on the Donetsk Frontline,” Skhidnyi Variant — third place.
Special distinctions went to Oleksandra Shylova from TV and Radio Company PiTiVi and Ruslana Storozhuk from My Kyiv media.
Read the winning story about Hetmanskyi National Park here, and the story about the veterinary mission in Kharkiv region here.
