When the invasion first began, Serpinska housed around 600 dogs and nearly 100 cats at her shelter.
And as people started to flee, she also took in several abandoned zoo animals.
And even amidst the shelling, she and a few loyal staff stayed there to care for them.
Photo:Maravillas del Mundo Animal
I was consciously going to war.
My people were here, my dogs were here.
But their departure left the poor creatures abandoned and unable to fend for themselves.
Photo:Maravillas del Mundo Animal
Among the wildlife, there were also many exotic creatures, including turtles and peacocks.
However, there was one lion who survived the fire that the rescuers were unable to take with them.
Yet even whenagainst her best effortsthe soldiers still detonated the mine, the lion somehow managed to survive.
Photo:Maravillas del Mundo Animal
However, that didnt take away the fear and distress they experienced.
But even amid the heartbreak and fear, they kept going.
Much of the town is still deserted, with many of its buildings burned and destroyed.
However, the brave 77-year-old woman is still looking toward the future with hope.
And for Serpinska, that is what matters most.
It doesnt matter who you protect: children, people, animals, nature.
The most important thing is responsibility, the heroic womaninsists.
Rescue animals to remain human.
Driven by her love of animals, she endured a great many dangerous moments.
It doesnt matter who you protect: children, people, animals, nature.
The most important thing is responsibility, the heroic woman insists.
Rescue animals to remain human.
