Bear and lion the last 2 survivors of Mosul zoo almost left ravaged grounds to safety

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In war torn Mosul in Iraq, the Montazah Almorour Zoo had once been home to a large number of animals, playgrounds and green spaces for tourists and residents. Tragically this week, even with the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians,  the ISIS invasion the animals at the zoo to suffer egregious and agonizing deaths; many of the animals including a lioness, monkeys and rabbits  either starved to death or were killed by surrounding fire and shrapnel.

On Tuesday, representatives of Four Paws International headed to Mosul to rescue Lula and Simba – a bear and a lion; the only two animals still alive.  Dr. Amir Khalil, veterinarian and head of Four Paws was prepared stating:

“We have to act quickly, because Mosul is a dangerous crisis area.”

The volunteers had full support of the army who joined them on the way to the Mosul zoo and were on site as Lula and Simba were tranquilized for the trip. The animals were gently loaded on the truck and escorted out of the city. There everyone was stopped and detained as  border guards stopped them stating:

“We’re not sure who owns the animals, there was one owner and now there are many . . .” they said when asked about the military action to stop the animals at the border.

There are reports the animals have been left outside the zoo in their small travel cages. On the organization’s Facebook page, the mission leader Amir Khalil continues to negotiate for the lives of Lula and Simba. As there is a curfew in place overnight, no one has been able to check on the animals welfare or even if they have been fed.

“For us it’s clear – they have to be removed from Mosul to a safe and species appropriate place somewhere else,” stated Khalil.

(Photos of Mosul zoo bear and lion via Four Paws Facebook page)

Read previous report here.

Watch the desperate effort to save Lula and Simba. They are still not safe. Keep your fingers crossed. No doubt there are still many heroes in our world!

https://www.facebook.com/fourpaws.org/videos/1334813389898354/

 


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9 COMMENTS

  1. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed in hopes that Four Paws can rescue Lula and Simba safely – to deny these innocent victims a chance at rescue is unfathomable – they deserve all the help they can get.

  2. I’ve been praying for these poor animals since I first heard about their plight a few weeks ago. OMG! I hope and pray the rescue gets finished and they are taken out of that hell on earth!

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