Gazan lions misplaced by war make trip across Israel to new home in Jordan
The Beit Lahiya zoo saw massive bombardments and airstrikes over the course of the seven-week operation.
By JPOST.COM STAFFThe lions at the Al-Bisan zoo in Gaza are ill and weak after a 50 day war(photo credit: FOUR PAWS)
Three lions, including a pregnant lioness, from the Al-Bisan Zoo in northern Gaza were transferred to Jordan on Tuesday morning, after the Strip's only zoo was heavily damaged during 50 days of fighting between Hamas and Israel.The lions will be moved to a more suitable home in the Hashemite Kingdom and heal from the war-induced trauma. The Beit Lahiya zoo saw massive bombardments and airstrikes over the course of the seven-week operation, resulting in the death of over 80 of its animals.Twenty animals remain alive but have sustained physical and psychological damage, prompting the manager of the zoo to reach out to animal charities for help. The international animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS, which has helped protect animals in war-torn countries since 1988, came to the rescue, arranging the transfer of the lions.Gaza"s only zoo damaged by Israeli air strikes In mid-September, an emergency team from the welfare charity arrived in Gaza to try and help save the animals that did survive, providing much-needed food and medical care, including surgeries and vaccinations.
