After several attempts, international animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has succeeded in its biggest rescue to date.

The rescue team transferred 47 zoo animals out of the Gaza Strip this week. The rescue mission was originally scheduled for the end of March but had to be postponed due to ongoing unrest in the region.

FOUR PAWS brought most of the animals to Jordanian wildlife sanctuaries with two of the lions to fly on to South Africa.

There they will live in species-appropriate enclosures in the FOUR PAWS big cat sanctuary LIONSROCK, receiving specialist veterinary care.

FOUR PAWS’ largest rescue mission was preceded by several months of preparations and negotiations. Thanks to the support of all the authorities involved and the owner of the zoo, the mission has now been successfully completed.