Gaza zoos rally to save newborn cubs
In the past, cubs have been eaten by starving lionesses.
The owners of Nama Zoo in the north of Gaza City, home to wild animals and predatory birds, are deploying unremitting efforts to protect and keep alive three cubs that a lioness gave birth to Aug. 12.
The latest efforts come in the wake of several successful attempts to protect cubs in the past, amid the owners’ lack of expertise in handling such cases. Also, lionesses in captivity are starving amid the difficulty of securing food in the besieged enclave, which is leading lionesses to devour their cubs shortly after giving birth to them.
The owners of the zoo are showing particular interest in preserving the three newborn cubs, because the introduction of new wild predatory animals into Gaza is banned. They are also seeking to develop the zoo in order for it to serve as an outlet for Gazans, who are eager to see wild animals such as lions and tigers.
Lions and predatory birds, among other animals, have been brought into Gaza in the past after being smuggled through underground tunnels along the Egyptian border.
