A group of lions suffering from starvation and neglect were rescued from Al Qurashi Family Park Zoo in Sudan.

After images of the emaciated lions circulated around the world, animal charity FOUR PAWS stepped in to help relocate the animals. 

Severely malnourished

The lions were once enclosed in unsanitary cages. Upon discovery, they were found to be severely malnourished, with visibly protruding ribs and flaccid skin.

According to FOUR PAWS, the economic crisis in Sudan contributed to insufficient financial resources available at the zoo. The zoo owners struggled to provide adequate food and care towards the lions, leading to gross negligence. 

The shocking discovery prompted the animal charity to intervene and deliver urgent care to the emancipated animals. 

‘We had to act quickly’

“We were shocked by the pictures of the gaunt lions. It was clear to us that we had to act quickly because the animals would not last much longer.

As soon as we are on-site, we will provide the severely malnourished lions with proper food and medical care,” said FOUR PAWS veterinarian and head of the emergency mission, Amir Khalil.

“The highest priority at the moment is to stabilize and improve the health condition of the animals, and determine long-term solutions for them.” 

Out of the five lions found, only three responded well to veterinary care and survived to make it out of the zoo.

The rescued lions can finally roam free

With the help of FOUR PAWS and wildlife enthusiasts, the three lions were swiftly relocated to the Al-Bageir animal sanctuary, where they are roaming free and giving birth to new litters of cubs. 

Since being moved to the sanctuary, their health has significantly improved and they are said to be thriving. 

Lions are currently listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are critically endangered as a result of hunting – there are thought to be as few as 23,000 lions left in the wild.