From Gaza to the West Bank: Lioness makes way to new zoo via border crossing
The transfer of the latest lioness marks the 5th transfer in eighteenth months of the large-cat breed from Gaza to the West Bank.
By JPOST.COM STAFFUpdated: APRIL 12, 2016 10:48Lioness transferred from Gaza Zoo to West Bank.(photo credit: COGAT SPOKESMAN)
Just last month, an adult Lion was transferred from Gaza's Rafah Zoo to Tulkarem in the West Bank in an operation coined "Operation Shalom" (or, "Peace") by COGAT. Barely settled in - that Lion received some new company Monday morning in the form of a Lioness, who was transferred through the Erez crossing to the same zoo as her male counterpart, a COGAT spokesman reported.The transfer of the latest lioness marks the 5th transfer in eighteenth months of the large-cat breed from Gaza to the West Bank.Similar to previous transfers, Monday's operation was carried out in coordination with Gaza's Ministry of Agriculture and COGAT's Direct Coordination and Liaison Department.The Lioness is eight years of age and weighs in at 200 kilograms. She was lifted across the Erez crossing in a crane, which was coordinated by a crossing manager representing the Ministry of Defense.The transfer of the lioness came about due to poor, dwindling health at the Gaza Zoo. She is expected to have better conditions at the West Bank Zoo, where she will enjoy the company of four, more seasoned Lions, who, like her, are Gaza residents.