Ukrainian artists create mural dedicated to animals rescuer from Kyiv region

Mural dedicated to Anastasia Tykha, the animal defender from war-torn Irpin, to be unveiled in Kyiv, local authorities report.

Her picture, with a bunch of animals picked from empty houses during the occupation of Irpin, went viral in 2022.

Together with her husband, Arthur Lee, and other caring people, Nastia took 15 dogs, including those with disabilities, five cats, a chameleon, a turtle, a hamster, and a spider out of the occupied town.

We walked three kilometers along the Irpen with animals. It was very difficult. When we reached the bridge, journalists surrounded us and we couldn't pass until they would take pictures. They asked where we were from, where we were going and what we were going to do. In the photo, I am very angry and quarreling with them. My husband quickly moved the photographers and we walked on, Anastasiya said in her interview. 

She was spotted by Ukrainian fighters who immediately picked up the animals and led them through the destroyed bridge linked to the Kyiv land. The new big family lived in safety at her friend's place.

At first, we lived with our friends for a while, but three or four days later the photo became popular, journalists started calling and I was very surprised.

Most of the rescued animals are now free. Some are abroad, in Croatia, Italy, England, France, and Germany, adopted by foreigners.