Sara, a 4-and-a-half-month-old lion cub, has been rescued from Lebanon and relocated to a sanctuary in South Africa after enduring abuse and neglect. Found by Animals Lebanon, she was transported to safety amidst escalating violence following the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Donations facilitated her journey, ensuring Sara will live out her life in a suitable habitat with other lions.
A lion cub named Sara has been rescued from war-torn Lebanon and transported to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. After enduring sickness and abuse, Sara was found by the animal rights group Animals Lebanon, which had been monitoring her since July following disturbing videos of her mistreatment posted online. Sara is one of five lion cubs evacuated from Lebanon amid escalating violence in the region following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hezbollah started after the Hamas attack in early October 2023. Initially discovered in Baalbek under dire circumstances, Sara endured two months of neglect before her extraction. Animals Lebanon intervened legally to recover Sara, who was unlawfully kept as a pet. Following her rescue, heavy bombardment in Baalbek intensified, prompting urgent efforts to relocate her from the war zone. After being kept temporarily in Beirut, alternative arrangements were made for Sara’s relocation when commercial airlines suspended operations due to conflict. In a remarkable endeavor, Animals Lebanon utilized donations to facilitate Sara’s escape via a yacht to Cyprus, followed by flights to the United Arab Emirates, finally reaching her new home in Cape Town, South Africa. Under the organization’s care, Sara adapted well, receiving adequate nutrition and companionship from the rescue team’s family. With her future assured, she is expected to join other lions in the sanctuary to ensure a fulfilling life free from her past traumas.
The situation that led to Sara’s rescue is a reflection of the broader regional conflict that has recently escalated. The violence intensified after the October 7 attack by Hamas, with Israel launching extensive military operations against Lebanon in response. Amid this chaos, Animals Lebanon has been actively involved in animal welfare, addressing issues such as illegal pet ownership and rescuing exotic animals. Sara’s plight exemplifies the difficulties faced by both animals and humans during times of conflict, with many people forced to flee, leaving their pets behind.
Sara’s evacuation highlights the challenges and risks associated with animal welfare during wartime, emphasizing the critical role played by organizations like Animals Lebanon in protecting vulnerable creatures. Her successful transfer to a sanctuary marks a hopeful chapter for this once-abused cub, underlining the importance of continued support for animal rights amidst human crises. The story of Sara serves as a reminder of the resilience and compassion that can emerge even in the direst of circumstances.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
