War Impacts Animals and Zoo Operations in Gaza

Animals at a zoo near Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp are suffering from malnourishment and trauma due to shortages of food, medicine, and vaccines. Zoo owner Mahmoud Gomaa, who originally operated the attraction in Rafah, moved surviving animals across various towns after Israeli troops occupied part of Rafah in 2024. Gomaa reopened the zoo in Nuseirat to provide a space for traumatized children in an area otherwise characterized by rubble and tents. Veterinarian Nidal Fadel described the current feeding of animals with frozen meat as a catastrophe because it deviates from their natural diet of fresh prey. Additionally, veterinarian Amir Khalil of the organization Four Paws stated that constant bombing and conflict create extreme stress for animals like lions. Gomaa reported that upon returning to his previous site in Rafah, he found only the bones of crocodiles and ostriches, while three lions had disappeared. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the impact of its attacks on civilian facilities such as zoos. Both reports emphasize that the zoo provides a rare opportunity for local children to relax despite ongoing airstrikes and a fragile ceasefire.