The Dogs of Chernobyl: How the Nuclear Disaster Changed Their Genetics and Lives
In the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, the exclusion zone surrounding the power plant became a symbol of devastation and human abandonment. While humans evacuated the area, leaving behind homes, memories, and livelihoods, the same fate did not befall the dogs that lived in the region. These dogs, once pets of the residents, were left behind to fend for themselves in a now highly radioactive environment. Over the decades, these animals have survived and adapted, becoming a living symbol of resilience amid the ruins. (more…)