So, have you heard about those famous blue dogs in Chernobyl? Scientists finally shed some light on the mystery, and guess what? It’s not about radiation!
Images of these colored canines started circulating after being posted on The Dogs of Chernobyl Facebook page, where they raise awareness about the struggles faced by these strays in the eerie nuclear exclusion zone.
Originally, some wild theories suggested that the blue fur was a result of radiation exposure or even an adaptive measure over the years. But, as scientists have now pointed out, the story is a bit more down-to-earth.
It turns out that the blue hue of these dogs comes from a much simpler explanation: they were probably rolling around in blue dye from a knocked-over porta-potty! Yup, you heard right. They got all messy while having some unsanitary fun.
Timothy Mousseau, a scientist from the University of South Carolina, chimed in via Facebook, stating: “The blue dye likely originated from a tipped over porta potty where the dogs were just being dogs and getting dirty.”
It seems like canine curiosity has led to a fashion faux pas—those flashy blue colors don’t indicate any mutations or terrible braces against radiation, but rather just the pups’ dubious choices near the waste!
To give a bit of context, Chernobyl is notorious for being the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster back in 1986. An explosion at one of the reactors released a horrifying amount of radioactive contaminants into the atmosphere, causing imminent fatalities and leaving a significant mark on public health.
After the disaster struck, thick cautionary measures were taken, forming a 30km exclusion zone around the plant, where over 120,000 residents were forcibly evacuated—led to believe they would only leave for three days and without their pets. Naturally, people never returned, leaving so many furry friends behind.
Initially, there were plans to eliminate the stray dogs, but workers deemed it inhumane and resisted. The Clean Futures Fund (CFF) stepped in, observing the abandoned pooches closely.
Every winter, the good people there have taken care of those dogs, and as of 2017, the CFF introduced the Dogs of Chernobyl program to assist in spaying, neutering, and vaccinating the dogs in the contaminated zone.
A whole crew of veterinarians, technicians, and dog lovers all chip in to ensure the pups get the best care possible.
Basically, this coalition started as an initiative from the CFF in 2017 to keep tabs on the approximate 250 dogs who continue to call the Chernobyl Power Plant area their home.
Ultimately, while it’s pretty cool to talk about Chernobyl and its interesting wildlife, let’s not forget, those furry companions are living through their own tough reality.
