FOUR PAWS in US
FOUR PAWS in US
WE HAVE ACHIEVED THE IMPOSSIBLE
We managed to save more than 40 animals from Rafah Zoo. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who supported this mission. We'll keep you updated what happens next so you can be part of the freed animal's journey into their new lives - stay tuned!
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DECLAWED LIONESS, STUFFED ANIMALS AND FROZEN LION CUBS
Over 40 animals were suffering in Rafah Zoo, Gaza. At the beginning of 2019, Gaza's oldest zoo attracted worldwide attention. Four lion cubs froze to death there due to the harsh weather and poor keeping conditions. Only a few weeks later, a 14-month-old lioness was permanently mutilated by the brutal and unprofessional removal of her claws. Almost 150,000 people demanded immediate action - and fortunately we were able to follow that call.
What do we know about rafah zoo?
In 2004, the zoo in the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip was almost completely demolished. Some of the animals were killed, stuffed and are on display at the zoo.
Oldest zoo
Since the opening in 1999, many of the animals have died due to being caught in the center of active conflict.
5 lions
... are suffering as well as a hyena, several wolves, monkeys, cats, dogs, ostriches, emus and other birds.
40+ animals
The zoo is very small and covers an area of only about 10,000 sq. m. The cages are small, old and dirty.
Now!
The owner has run out of funds and is unable to improve living conditions, expand enclosures, or even provide adequate food for the animals. We need to help them!
Our past actions in Gaza
We wanted to finally put an end to the suffering of the animals in Rafah Zoo. FOUR PAWS has been active in Gaza since 2014 and has already evacuated and closed down two zoos (Al-Bisan and Khan Younis) in the region. The former inhabitants were transferred to FOUR PAWS sanctuaries.
Even before this most recent mission, the zoo in Rafah was well known to us. In 2015, the owner of the zoo sold the two lion cubs Max and Mona to a local who gave them to his grandchildren as a present. We confiscated the cubs and brought them to the Al Ma'wa for Nature & Wildlife sanctuary in Jordan.
Socialization of lions
Integration of the three cubs from the Rafah Zoo (Laith, Labwa, and Marion the declawed lioness) with three other cubs confiscated in Jordan (Pablo, Dohal and Layla) is successful.
6/16/2019
FOUR PAWS transfers the animals
The three lions cubs, among them the declawed lioness, are released to Al Ma’Wa for Nature and Wildlife, a cooperation project between FOUR PAWS and the Princess Alia Foundation. Two adult lions are transferred to our sanctuary LIONSROCK in South Africa. Other animals are either released into the wild (in a protected area) or remain at the New Hope Center in Amman, Jordan. The dogs and cats are under the care of the Humane Center for Animal Welfare until they can be sent to their new homes.
4/8/2019
FOUR PAWS Rescues animals from Rafah Zoo
The animals from the Rafah Zoo, also known as the Zoo of Sorrows, are evacuated and transferred to Jordan at the New Hope Center.
4/7/2019
Successful entry
During the team's second entry attempt, a FOUR PAWS rescue team successfully enters the Gaza strip to save the animals of the Rafah Zoo.
4/4/2019
First Entry Attempts
First attempt for the FOUR PAWS team to enter Gaza. Due to the military escalation and the closing of the borders at that period, the team had to go back and postpone the rescue.
3/25/2019
Cruel declawing
Declawing of one of the lionesses. This operation was described as cruel in the local newspapers.
1/30/2019
Lion cubs freeze
4 lions cubs were born at the Rafah Zoo and tragically passed away due to freezing conditions.
1/18/2019
FOUR PAWS start negotiations with the Rafah Zoo
Assessment trip to Gaza, Rafah Zoo in order to provide some care for the animals. Start of the negotiations. Owner willing to hand over the animals and close the zoo.
3/23/2018
Khan Younis Zoo is history!
FOUR PAWS conducted an intense rescue mission to save the remaining 15 animals at Khan Younis Zoo.
8/24/2016
Cubs from Rafah Zoo are safe!
In 2015, a father of six bought the cubs from Rafah Zoo as a treat for his grandchildren. The new ‘pets’ quickly pushed the family to their financial and physical limits. FOUR PAWS rescued the two cubs from this irresponsible private keeping.
6/18/2015
FOUR PAWS closed Al-Bisan Zoo and rescued the animals!
More than 80 animals died when a zoo in northern Gaza was severely damaged by air strikes. An emergency team by FOUR PAWS managed to get there and help the 20 surviving animals. Dr. Amir Khalil and his team delivered urgently needed medicine and food. Luckily, FOUR PAWS was able to close down the zoo.
9/25/2014