Four Lion Cubs Die in Gaza Zoo Amid Harsh Conditions
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Four lion cubs died in a Gaza zoo after their mother refused to nurse them.
- The zoo cited a lack of veterinary supplies and medications as the cause of death.
- Social media blamed Israel for the deaths, but data indicates crossings remained open for goods.
- Animal welfare in Gaza has been severely impacted by war, leading to shortages.
- Past incidents reveal historical challenges with animal care in Gaza zoos.
Four lion cubs recently died at a zoo in the Nuseirat refugee camp area in the central Gaza Strip. Graphic images of the cubs lying on a wooden table circulated on Palestinian social media and gained international attention. The zoo's owner, Mahmoud Jumaa, told Al Jazeera that the lioness gave birth to four cubs but refused to nurse them. He stated that under normal circumstances, cubs in such a situation can be saved with substitute milk, vaccinations, and veterinary care. However, the zoo claims it could not obtain the necessary equipment and medications, leading to the cubs' deaths shortly after birth.
Animal welfare in Gaza has deteriorated significantly during the war years, with animals suffering from food shortages, lack of medicine and vaccinations, and inadequate diets. Predators have reportedly subsisted on frozen meat and food not intended for their species. Criticism was quickly directed at Israel, with social media claims that the cubs died because Israel "closed the crossings." However, data from the Gaza Crossings Authority indicates that the Kerem Shalom crossing was open for goods seven days a week between September 25 and October 1, with 1,446 trucks entering, including aid and fuel tankers. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) also reported ongoing aid transfers through Kerem Shalom, subject to security checks.
Despite these claims, the article notes that Gaza's animal facilities have historically struggled with proper care. In 2019, the organization Four Paws rescued 47 animals, including five lions, from a zoo in Rafah due to poor living conditions and inadequate treatment.