Mikhailo Pinchuk wanders in the zoo in the village of Demedev, about 40 km from the Ukrainian capital Kiev, after her visitors were absent, to fondle some animals and give others a piece of food.
No visitor has been allowed to enter the park since March, when the Ukrainian authorities imposed public isolation measures across the country to contain the outbreak of the new Coruna virus.
Pinchuk says that animals born in the garden and used to seeing people are suffering from loneliness, adding to Reuters that some jungle animals are crying inside the pens.
"The animals were rushing to me when I walk next to their pens," she said. "They extend their necks through the holes in the fence to see who is coming, as if they are asking you to come close and give them some food."
He added that the animals "do not understand what is going on as the situation changes. They used to be alright in the past and used to enjoy the presence of people."
Pinchuk said that the zoo in Demedev village is now in desperate need of funds and can barely cover service bills needed to maintain proper conditions for animals.
Garden guards were forced to adjust the animal diet. Dozens of lions and tigers feed on chicken instead of expensive pork or beef. As for monkeys, the menu was empty of mango and pineapple, and apples were served instead.
Pinchuk urged people to donate to support the zoo, which includes 400 animals, including a seal, a hippopotamus and a number of giraffes. Out of 70 employees, the park kept only 20 of them, with a minimum salary.