Last 2 starving zoo animals saved from ISIS rule in Mosul

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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 the ISIS invasion caused even more innocent victims of war 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.Isis zoo rescue 2

Two remaining zoo denizens somehow managed to barely survive.  A veterinary team from charity Four Paws International,  Vienna, Austria, an organization that sends aid workers worldwide to rescue bears, big cats and stray animals, has started treating animals at the Mumtaz al-Nour zoo in eastern Mosul to help. The team, led by Dr. Amir Khalil, arrived to help Simba the lion and Lula the bear. Both animals suffer from a host of diseases including extreme malnutrition, pneumonia, arthritis and severe dental infections.

According to the Daily Mail, the zoo’s location had been on the front battle line of conflict between militants and the Iraqi army. Most of the animals were killed, however local residents and volunteers had been feeding the last two zoo survivors with food scraps until it was too dangerous to risk their own live. Earlier in the month, zoo owner Abu Omar stated:Isis zoo rescue 3

“When the battle intensified, it was impossible for the guard and animal handler to reach them.”

The battle lasted  nearly four months. Now that the city has recently been liberated by Iraqi and Kurdish forces, the rescue team has sent veterinarians to supply medical help. On the organization’s Facebook book, the ongoing rescue efforts have been updated:

” A FOUR PAWS team accompanied by local volunteers are on site to provide the last two wild animals, a bear and a lion, with food and medical care. Although alive, both animals look miserable and are suffering from many diseases caused by malnutrition and lack of veterinary care. Both have very bad teeth, in addition the bear suffers from pneumonia and the lion has ill joints. The cages were cleaned and the bear and the lion were provided with the urgently needed help!”Isis zoo rescue 4

As to the futures of Simba and Lula, the organization is grateful that they have been able to supply first aid and provide the survivors with food for at least the next four weeks. They are investigating the possibilities of future treatment for the animals and plan to keep advocates and supporters informed. It is asked that advocates keep in mind  ISIS has been in control for the last two years – people and animals have suffered. Fortunately Iraqi media has helped to bring the plight of these animals out to the public.

Photos of zoo animals in Mosul courtesy of Four Paws International Facebook.

To help, please click here.

Check out the heartwarming video as these two innocent survivors are finally receiving the help they deserve:

https://www.facebook.com/fourpaws.org/videos/1300621103317583/


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10 COMMENTS

  1. They are the only ones who count! They are the only true innocent creatures on this earth! Animals are always the ones who suffer at the hands of man! The fact that they left those animals there is mind boggling! I don’t care they left food for 4 weeks! Get them out of there or they are dead! Rescue and giving first aide includeds getting them to safety!

  2. Thank u god bless u. They shouldnt be changed up in a zoo anyway..mankind is so wrong to jail these wonderful animals till they die in a zoo..they are free..born free.

  3. I thank God for these brave souls that risk their own lives and well being to help this animals in desperate need. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

  4. It seems like the innocent creatures of this god forsaken earth always pay the highest price how mankind can call themselves the superior race sickens me as my tears fall looking into the lions eyes I want to shield both survivors from any further suffering and punish those responsible for the tragic deaths of their friends thank you four paws please rescue these two from their hell because there has to be a reason they were chosen to survive god bless and safe travels

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