Rescue Mission from Magic World Zoo near Aleppo
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

Four-Paws.us
July 2017

The ongoing war has taken its toll on the animals. The lack of water, food and veterinary care has left the animals physically and psychologically traumatized. Several animals were also killed by severe bombings. There was no way for them to escape from this deadly trap.

Rescue team completes another harrowing mission to war-zone!

Four Paws has launched a high-risk rescue operation in the Middle East. In collaboration with security experts nine abandoned animals were evacuated from the amusement park "Magic World" located in the crisis area around Aleppo. Despite intense battles in Syria in the recent days, the truck with starving and suffering tigers, bears, lions and hyenas managed to reach the Syria-Turkey border. From there, the animals have started their journey to an animal rescue center in Karacabey close to the city of Bursa, where they will temporarily stay to receive proper medical treatment. More wild animals are still trapped in the destroyed zoo and are expected to arrive at the border in the coming days.

Rescuing nine animals from their bombed-out home near Aleppo

This time the lives of several animals, including three lions (two females and one male), two tigers (one female and one male), two Asian black bears (one female and one male) and two hyenas (one female and one male), from a neglected zoo near Aleppo in Syria are at risk.

"The ongoing war has taken its toll on the animals. The lack of water, food and veterinary care has left the animals physically and psychologically traumatized. Several animals were also killed by severe bombings. There was no way for them to escape from this deadly trap. With our mission, we want to spread the message that humanity cannot be divided and that these suffering animals deserve to be heard and seen", says FOUR PAWS veterinarian and head of the mission Dr. Amir Khalil.

So, it was clear to him that they had to leave the zoo as soon as possible:

"The ever-deteriorating situation of the animals worried us. Also, wild animals such as bears and big cats, trapped in desolate enclosures, can quickly pose a threat to humans."

Traumatized animals in need of medical care

The first rescued animals are all exhausted and dehydrated. Some of them suffer from minor wounds but no serious injuries. The FOUR PAWS team provided them with water and immediately, the animals began to feel better. They have started their journey, which has been supported by Turkish animal welfare activists, to an animal protection center in Karacabey close to the city of Bursa. As soon as all animals will have arrived there, FOUR PAWS will start the medical treatment. Once their health condition allows, the former zoo animals will be transferred to a new and species-appropriate home.

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The animals have been deeply affected by the war. They are extremely exhausted and many have suffered wounds and injuries.

UPDATE a few days later:

The nine rescued animals rescued from the “Magic World” zoo are doing well considering the circumstances. For the time being, we have placed the three lions, two tigers, two bears and two hyenas in an animal protection center in Karacabey, Turkey. Some are still very weak and will need a lot of care before they can be transported. As soon as they are healthy enough, we will bring them to a proper home.

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