Dog caretakers in Chernobyl’s exclusion zone reported several dogs with intensely blue fur, prompting investigations into a potential chemical or environmental cause.
Surprising discovery in Chernobyl’s exclusion zone
Dog caretakers observing animals in the former nuclear plant and its surrounding closed zone noticed several dogs with intensely blue fur in recent days. A week earlier, the dogs appeared normal.
Suspicions from caretakers and experts
Caretakers suspect the dogs may have come into contact with an unidentified chemical substance that coloured their coats. Experts do not rule out other causes such as contact with heavy metals or industrial waste.
Veterinarians are taking samples of fur, skin and blood to determine the source of the unusual colour.
Descendants of abandoned pets
The organization Dogs of Chernobyl, operating under the Clean Futures Fund, has cared for about 700 dogs living within a 30‑kilometre radius of the plant since 2017. These dogs are descendants of household pets abandoned after the 1986 catastrophe.
While the blue fur has raised concern, caretakers stress that the dogs remain active and appear healthy.
