Volunteers release hundreds of bats in twilight event near Kyiv

Children and volunteers gathered at a nature park on the edge of Kyiv to release bats into the night sky. Hundreds of bats, many rescued from war-torn areas, were set free Saturday at events across Ukraine to mark the arrival of spring. Anastasiia Vovk, a volunteer at the Ukrainian Bat Rehabilitation Center, says preserving these endangered animals is crucial. All 28 bat species in Ukraine are protected due to declining populations. The event offers relief for families after a harsh winter and ongoing war. Alona Shulenko, who led the release, also highlighted the challenges bats face due to the conflict.