Four lion cubs die at Gaza zoo amid food and medicine shortages

Four lion cubs have died at a zoo in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, after being born to a lion and lioness amid severe shortages of food, medicine and veterinary care.

Reuters reported that the four cubs died on 1 October due to a lack of medicine and proper nutrition, while the closure of border crossings prevented food needed for the animals from reaching the area.

The deaths came as the zoo's lions continued to face deteriorating conditions during the ongoing conflict, with access to essential supplies severely disrupted.

The lions have been repeatedly displaced during Israeli attacks and struggled to survive amid shortages of food and veterinary medicines. During periods of severe shortages, they were fed soaked dry bread and meals distributed by community kitchens.

The animals also sometimes received human medicines when veterinary drugs were unavailable, according to footage and information carried by Reuters Connect.

Zoo owner Mahmoud Juma said the female lion gave birth to four cubs after the animals returned to the zoo, but none survived because of the lack of necessary food and medicine.

“The cause of these cubs’ death was the lack of necessary medicines and the closure of crossings, which prevented essential food from reaching [the lioness],” Middle East Eye quoted Juma as saying.

Juma has called on international animal protection organisations to provide food, medicine and other essential supplies for the surviving animals.

The deaths add to the difficulties faced by animals kept in Gaza's zoos, where the conflict and restrictions on essential supplies have disrupted access to food and veterinary care.

The four cubs were buried after their deaths, according to footage carried by Reuters Connect.