Israeli Authorities Rescue Gazelle Kept Illegally as Pet in West Bank Village

Israeli Nature and Parks Authority officers, together with Border Police fighters and intelligence agents, rescued a gazelle held illegally as a pet in a West Bank village near Jenin. The animal was found in a storage room with a collar and bell around its neck, indicating it had been kept in captivity for a long time. The operation took place overnight in the jurisdiction of the Menashe Brigade, following two weeks of intelligence gathering after reports surfaced about the gazelle being held in a private home.

The suspect, a Palestinian resident of the village, was arrested and admitted to the charges during questioning by the Nature and Parks Authority investigator. He faces criminal proceedings on suspicion of illegal hunting and possession of a protected wild animal. The gazelle was transferred to the Ramat Gan Safari wildlife hospital for medical evaluation and care. Initial examinations revealed the animal was marked and accustomed to human presence, behavior that is unnatural and dangerous for wild animals. Although its general condition is good, it appears to have suffered from poor nutrition.

Due to the gazelle’s habituation to captivity and human contact, it is unlikely to be released back into the wild. The Nature and Parks Authority will determine the best course for its future care and welfare in the coming days. The authority also urged the public to report any illegal possession of wild animals by contacting their hotline at *3639.