In the Chernobyl exclusion zone, where there’s almost nobody, something shocking has happened: dogs with bright blue fur have been seen there. The situation was shared on Instagram by a non-profit organization called Clean Futures Fund. They posted pictures and a video showing three dogs that had fur that looked noticeably blue.
Clean Futures Fund works in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, so they often see and help animals that live there. On their Instagram account, they published pictures and videos where we can see 3 dogs with this bright blue fur. In the post, the organization explained that they don’t know yet the exact cause behind that color, and that they are trying to capture the dogs so that they can examine them and see what happened. So, let’s learn more about these dogs.
Possible cause behind these blue dogs
According to what the organization explained, the possible cause for the color of these dogs is that they had been in contact with some kind of chemical containing that blue color. The dogs could have touched it and, therefore, their fur got colored. Something important coming from the organization was that they say the blue color is not related to radiation.
Even though many people associate Chernobyl with radiation, in this case the color doesn’t come from that. Later, the organization told it’s possible the dogs may have rolled in blue liquid leaking from a portable toilet, which are also known as porta potty. This liquid is very strong and can color whatever it touches.
As many pet owners know, dogs sometimes roll in things they find and they don’t care about color or anything. This is why this explanation is very possible and logical.
Chernobyl exclusion zone
To better understand this story, it’s important to know what happened in Chernobyl. In 1986, there was a nuclear accident in an energy plant near the Pripyat city, Ukraine. The explosion was very serious and provoked the zone to remain contaminated with radiation.
After the accident, people had to abandon their houses immediately. This is why, around the plant, it was created an area where nobody can live without special permissions. This zone is the one called the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
The blue dogs living in Chernobyl today
When people left, many had to leave their pets behind, including cats and dogs. With the passage of time, these animals survived and had babies. Therefore, today, there are many wild dogs living in this area.
Since 2017, the organization Clean Futures Fund has been working on a project called Dogs of Chernobyl. Their work includes:
- Feeding the animals that live in the exclusion zone.
- Watching their health.
- Catching and sterilizing them (which means making sure they cannot have more puppies). This helps keep the number of dogs under control.
The 3 blue dogs were seen while the organization was doing these tasks.
Is the blue fur dangerous for the dogs?
Vet Jennifer Betz, who also worked in the Dogs of Chernobyl project, explained that the blue liquid won’t probably damage them, as long as they don’t lick it and they don’t eat the substance. Basically, if it’s only on the fur, the color will likely fade or be removed over time.
To sum up…
Chernobyl is not only a reminder of a tragic event; it is also a space where nature continues to move forward in surprising ways.
In the case of the blue dogs, the reason is simple and not related to radiation. But their story shows that what happens in Chernobyl still captures our attention and inspires reflection about responsibility, care, and how life persists even in the most unexpected places.