Gaza Zookeeper Flees Rafah to Create Home for Animals

Amid the turmoil of Gaza, zookeeper Fathi Ahmed Gomaa has found refuge in Khan Yunis, where he has set up a temporary sanctuary for his animals. Forced to flee from Rafah due to Israel’s offensive, Gomaa relocated dozens of animals, including lions and baboons, to a cowshed. “We’ve moved all the animals we had, except for three big lions that remain in Rafah,” he said, expressing regret over leaving the lions behind due to time constraints.

The city of Rafah, which borders Egypt, had initially avoided a ground invasion and became a refuge for over half of Gaza’s population. However, recent Israeli military actions have displaced over 800,000 people, according to the UN, including Gomaa and his family.

In a plea to Israeli authorities, Gomaa stressed the innocence of his animals, urging for coordination with aid agencies to rescue the stranded lions. He warned that without intervention, the lions would die within days due to lack of food and water. The conflict has already claimed the lives of several of his animals, including lion cubs and monkeys.

Despite the challenges, Gomaa is determined to care for the remaining animals. Using makeshift fencing to contain them, he continues to adapt to the harsh realities of war. The ongoing conflict, which began after a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with thousands of lives lost and countless others disrupted.

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• Gaza Man Continues to Try and Rescue Animals
• Israel-Gaza Conflict’s Huge Climate Impact
• The War in Gaza is Starving Zoo Animals

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