2 day-old lion cubs die in Gaza zoo

 

Although acknowledging “a lack of experience & resources for the birth & treatment of cubs”, zoo workers blame Israel for death of cubs born to smuggled in felines, AFP reports.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
 

 

 

Two lion cubs born in a zoo in the Gaza Strip died Thursday two days after their birth.

2 day-old lion cubs Fajr and Sijil are seen at a zoo in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia, on November 19, 2013 – Photo AFP, Mohammed Abed

“The lions named Fajr and Sijil died today due to a deterioration of their health at birth,” Shadi Hamad, supervisor of animals at the Hamas-run Bissan park told AFP.

The twin felines, named in reference to the conflict between Hamas and Israel last November, were born Tuesday in the Bissan zoo after their parents had been smuggled into the coastal enclave from Egypt.

According to Hamad, the death of the animals resulted from “a lack of experience and resources for the birth and treatment of cubs”.

The report also cited the zoo worker as blaming Israel’s blockade of the Strip for the lack of food and medicine needed for such a situation.

“We had tried to contact the relevant authorities in Egypt, but these are blockade conditions,” AFP quoted Hamad as saying.

 

View original Jerusalem Post publication at: http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Twin-lion-cubs-die-in-Gaza-zoo-days-after-birth-332700