Ukrainian kangaroos rescue captures world’s heart

A Ukrainian man has braved heavy Russian shelling to rescue 10 kangaroos that were trapped in a zoo in Kharkiv.

Stirring footage of a Ukrainian man making a daring run to rescue a mob of kangaroos from a zoo in Kharkiv has captured hearts around the world.

The 10 native Australian animals were trapped at Feldman Ecopark about 40km from the Russian border in northeast Ukraine.

The zoo has come under heavy shelling in recent weeks and many animals have been killed.

But one brave soul took a risk and loaded the kangaroos in the back of a van, filming himself making a getaway.

The poor animals’ enclosure was repeatedly targeted by the Russian army. Picture: Reddit

The kangaroos are now safe. Picture: Reddit

He’s become the latest hero of the bloody conflict.

“I adore you for not abandoning animals. Thank you!” Lara Chaika wrote below a video posted by the zoo on Facebook.

Elena Ruchko added: “You are so wonderful! I am delighted with the people who help the zoo!”

While Vee Colditz-Asher simply said: “You are a hero.”

The park confirmed the animals were safe. “These kangaroos were able to be removed the day before yesterday, that is, they are already safe now,” a post on the park’s Facebook page read.

“This is very nice, because unfortunately their enclosures have been repeatedly bombarded.

The getaway driver. Picture: Reddit

This mandril was killed by Russian shelling. Picture: Facebook

“We believe that everything will be fine for them! A huge thank you to the volunteers and staff at risk to save animals, as well as our many friends, ordinary people, business structures and community organisations helping us financially and making our rescue operations possible. Your support truly saves lives!”

But in the latest update on the zoo’s Facebook page, there was sad news about a zoo favourite.

Popular mandril Stepan was killed by recent shelling.