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Lion Cub Evacuated from Lebanon
A lion cub is rescued from war-torn Lebanon and transported to South Africa by an animal welfare group, highlighting the challenges of rescuing animals amidst conflict.
English
United States
Middle EastWarAfricaRefugees And MigrationTransportationWildlifeAnimal WelfareRescue
Animals LebanonMiddle East AirlinesDrakenstein Lion ParkHezbollah
Jason MeierMaggie ShaarawiHassan Nasrallah
- Why was the lion cub being rescued from Lebanon?
- Animals Lebanon, a Lebanese animal welfare organization, rescued a lion cub used as a TikTok prop and transported it to a wildlife refuge in South Africa. The journey involved a boat trip to Cyprus, flights to Dubai and Cape Town, and finally, arrival at the Drakenstein Lion Park sanctuary.
- What was the condition of the lion cub when it was rescued?
- The lion cub, named Sara, was rescued from a social media influencer who used her as a prop in TikTok videos. Sara suffered from scars and ringworm and received extensive care from Maggie Shaarawi before her relocation.
- What other animal rescue efforts is Animals Lebanon involved in?
- Besides Sara, Animals Lebanon is working to rescue other animals from Lebanon, including baboons bound for England and animals from a zoo in Baalbek, highlighting the broader impact of the conflict on animals.
- What challenges did Animals Lebanon face in transporting the lion cub?
- The rescue was part of a larger effort by Animals Lebanon, which has rescued and relocated 25 lions, tigers, and other big cats from Lebanon since 2008. The ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel has complicated these efforts, as airlines stopped transporting animals.
- What is the legal status of keeping lions and tigers as pets in Lebanon?
- Keeping lions and tigers as pets is illegal in Lebanon but common among the affluent who use them to boost social media following. The animals often come from Lebanese zoos and sell for between $10,000 and $15,000.