Hungry lions and crocodile bones: what remains of Gaza's zoos

The situation in Gaza Strip zoos has become dire: animals are suffering from hunger, lack of water, medicine, and vaccines. Zoo owner Mahmoud Jumaa, who fled Rafah, moved surviving animals to Nuseirat and reopened the zoo for children. Not all could be saved: three lions disappeared, and only bones remain of the crocodiles and ostriches.

The situation in Gaza Strip zoos has become dire: animals are suffering from hunger, lack of water, medicine, and vaccines, and there is almost no one to provide them with proper care. Some have died or gone missing, while others remain in cages despite exhaustion and constant stress. One such zoo operates near the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Visitors there saw a lioness that barely reacted to people and chimpanzees sitting apathetically in their cage. Many animals are still alive, largely thanks to the efforts of zoo owner Mahmoud Jumaa. Before moving to Nuseirat, he ran a zoo in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Due to strikes and military operations, Jumaa had to leave the city. During the conflict, he moved surviving animals several times until he settled at the current location in early 2026. Jumaa reopened the zoo for children. However, not all could be saved: when he fled Rafah, he had to leave behind three lions, several crocodiles, and African ostriches. Months later, he returned and found only the bones of the crocodiles and ostriches. The three lions had disappeared. Veterinarians note that the main problem is finding food in conditions where the Gaza Strip struggles to provide for its population. There is also a shortage of medicine, vaccines, and trained staff. Despite the animals' poor condition, the zoo in Nuseirat remains one of the few places where children can take a break from their surroundings.