Lions trapped for eight months in the middle of Sudan’s conflict have finally been rescued and relocated by an animal charity.
These lions lived in a shelter before violence erupted last year between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
When the fighting began, the shelter’s staff had to evacuate, leaving the lions behind in an enclosed space.
With no one to care for them, the lions were soon at the mercy of the conflict, as soldiers prioritized the ongoing battles over the well-being of the animals.
The situation deteriorated quickly, with the lions suffering from starvation and illness and some reportedly being killed by members of the Rapid Support Forces.
The Sudan Animal Rescue team spent months trying to gather funds for a rescue mission. In November, the charity Four Paws finally stepped in to launch the evacuation.
Veterinarian Dr. Amir Khalil, head of the rescue mission, described the dire circumstances, noting that the lions were in “very, very bad condition” and that the situation was “critical.” Unfortunately, despite their efforts, another lion passed away just before the evacuation could begin.
The charity initially struggled to find a safe place within Sudan to relocate the lions, as the conflict continued to escalate.
After securing safety in other countries, the mission finally moved forward. However, only 15 of the original 23 lions remained by the time the rescue was completed.
The long journey to recovery for these lions has just begun, but they are now in a safer environment, receiving the care they need.
Read more Wildlife News.
