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Animals rescued from bombed-out zoo
FOUR PAWS helping a surviving animal
More than 80 animals died when a zoo in northern Gaza was severely damaged by airstrikes.

FOUR PAWS are helping the surviving animals of Al-Bisan Zoo in the North of the Gaza Strip

An emergency team from the international animal charity FOUR PAWS is helping the surviving animals of Al-Bisan Zoo in the North of the Gaza Strip by providing urgently needed medical treatment.

More than 80 animals died when the zoo was severely damaged by airstrikes during the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. A FOUR PAWS emergency team, led by Dr Amir Khalil and local supporters, are now providing help to the 20 surviving animals.

Because FOUR PAWS is well connected in the region, zoo manager Shady Hamad officially asked the organisation for help because the surviving animals had been left without water or food.  

Very concerned about the state of the zoo, Dr. Amir Khalil said: "Most of the enclosures have been severely damaged. There are several dead animals lying around the enclosures. The few surviving animals, among them three lions, are traumatised, ill and very weak."

Equipped with antibiotics, worming medicine and disinfectants, the emergency team is now administering medical treatment on site. Food deliveries have been arranged from Gaza and the team is also restoring the water supply by repairing pipes. As the lions enclosure was damaged, the team are first focusing on making the enclosure secure and undertaking security measures.

The Sinai Peninsula and the border area between Egypt and Israel, suffer frequent terrorist attacks. Dr Khalil said: "We had to plan the operation from Cairo, working with the Egyptian authorities and local NGOs. The team's safety was our top priority. We were finally able to reach the Gaza Strip accompanied by military convoy."

It is not yet clear if the zoo will be able to carry on.  Dr. Khalil added: "We will now assess whether the lions can be transferred to a safe place outside Gaza as well as finding a solution for the other remaining animals." FOUR PAWS say that this is likely to be decided in the next few days.

Image © FOUR PAWS

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
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