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Sofiia Bihun, a student at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, took part in the International Conference on Wildlife Medicine (ICARE 2026) held from April 11–15, 2026, in Lisbon, Portugal. The conference focused on the veterinary medicine of birds, amphibians, reptiles, exotic mammals, as well as zoo and wildlife species, providing a platform for professional exchange and the acquisition of advanced practical and theoretical knowledge.

Professional Networking and Knowledge Exchange

During ICARE 2026, Sofiia and her colleagues engaged directly with international experts in exotic and wildlife medicine, including veterinarians from leading global zoological institutions, research institutes, and private clinics.

A key highlight was the series of lectures on anesthesiology, which deepened participants' understanding of sedation, general anesthesia, and monitoring across various taxonomic groups. It was noted that while many recommended protocols and drugs are currently limited in the Ukrainian market, these insights are crucial for adapting and optimizing local clinical protocols.

Insights into Biosafety and Disease Prevention

The conference featured compelling reports on infectious disease outbreaks in zoos worldwide, such as cases of cowpox in several species and tetanus in elephants at a German zoo. These presentations provided a critical analysis of mistakes made, their consequences (including the loss of animals), and the subsequent measures taken to improve biosecurity and preventive strategies.

The data presented holds significant strategic value for optimizing zoo veterinary services. Discussions included the development of facility-specific antibiograms—a complex but vital task for increasing the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy by tracking specific resistance patterns within an institution.

Ukrainian Contribution

Special recognition was given to the report by Ukrainian specialist Hanna Stepanenko (Kharkiv), dedicated to the study of trace element composition in primate hair. This minimally invasive method, developed in collaboration with several zoological institutions, shows great promise for diagnosing mineral deficiencies and opens new doors for scientific cooperation.

Field Visit: Jardim Zoológico

As part of the program, participants visited the Jardim Zoológico in Lisbon, an active member of EAZA since 2000. The visit focused on:

• Collection Management: Observing species not currently present in the Kyiv Zoo collection, such as the okapi, giant anteater, Iberian lynx, common bottlenose dolphin, chimpanzee, black panther, Humboldt penguin, and Sumatran tiger.
• Exhibit Design: Analyzing multi-tiered enclosures that prioritize biological and ethological needs, providing ample hiding spots and environmental enrichment.
• Conservation & Education: Reviewing interactive educational programs and reintroduction initiatives, including the Anatolian leopard (active since 2006) and the Iberian lynx programs.

The zoo’s layout was highly commended for its rational use of space and lush greenery, which creates a favorable microclimate and allows visitors to view animals from multiple vantage points without compromising animal welfare.

Conclusion

Participation in ICARE 2026 resulted in the acquisition of cutting-edge knowledge in international protocols for diagnostics, treatment, and intensive care. These insights will help refine local veterinary approaches in Ukraine. Furthermore, the established professional contacts with international colleagues create a strong foundation for future exchange and collaborative research.