Dogs exhibiting an unusual blue hue have been observed roaming the Chernobyl exclusion zone, attracting attention on social media. The Clean Futures Fund, a non-profit organization, shared this curious discovery through two Instagram posts—one featuring a series of photos and the other a video. They reported that three dogs, typically sporting standard dog colors, now display a striking bright blue tint.
The organization stated, “We do not know the reason and we are attempting to catch them so we can find out what is happening. Most likely they’re getting into some sort of chemical.” Contrary to what one might expect, the cause of the dogs’ unusual appearance is rather mundane but slightly off-putting: according to the non-profit, the dogs may have rolled in a blue substance leaking from a nearby Porta Potty.
Chernobyl has been devoid of human habitation since the catastrophic reactor explosion in 1986, which led to the evacuation of nearby Pripyat, Ukraine. Many pets were tragically left behind during this exodus, and their descendants, along with wild animals, have thrived in the exclusion zone.
Since 2017, the Clean Futures Fund has actively worked on the Dogs of Chernobyl project, aimed at feeding, monitoring, and controlling the stray dog and cat populations in the area through capture and sterilization. The recent sighting of the blue dogs occurred in early October during the organization’s ongoing efforts.
Addressing concerns about radiation, Clean Futures Fund clarified, “No, they have not turned blue because of radiation and no, we are not saying they have turned blue because of radiation.” They reiterated that the dogs’ blue tint is simply due to contact with a blue substance, and they are focused on humanely catching the animals for sterilization.
Veterinarian Jennifer Betz, who works with the Dogs of Chernobyl project, mentioned that as long as the dogs do not excessively lick the substance off their fur, it is likely to be harmless. This curious incident highlights the resilience of animals adapting to life in abandoned regions while reminding us of the enduring connections between pets and their owners, even in the wake of environmental disasters.