Israel Takes in More Gazan Zoo Animals

For the second time in the past month, Israel has taken in animals from Gaza’s defunct zoo. The latest animals to be transferred to Israel include 12 monkeys and 2 large turtles. The animals will be treated in Israeli zoos and restored to full health, and then transferred to a zoo in Tul Karem.

The Gaza Zoo, which had been a major attraction when it was built a decade ago, quickly became the victim of internal infighting in Gaza, with Hamas and other terror groups battling for control of the zoo for strategic purposes, all the while neglecting the animals’ welfare. Last month, Israel accepted 15 animals that were suffering in the zoo. Other animals went to South Africa and Jordan.

The transfer was supervised by Ori Madar, director of agricultural affairs in the District Coordination Liaison Office in southern Israel and Shlomo Taban, director of the Erez Crossing. The prospect of ensuring that the animals will get better care is an important motivation for their efforts in working with Gazan authorities to move the animals, the two said.