The lion cubs that were smuggled into Israel were transferred for rehabilitation at Hai Park in Krayot.

(live here) – Two two-month-old lion cubs, who were smuggled into Israel and found in the south of the country in serious medical condition, have been transferred to Hai Park in Kiryat Motzkin, where they are being treated under controlled conditions by a veterinary team. The cubs, who were found chained with signs of injury, are now receiving intensive treatment in an attempt to rehabilitate them.

From rescue operation to dedicated care

With the urgent intervention of the Nature and Parks Authority, the cubs were transferred to Hai Park early this morning. Ashraf Canaan and the park staff prepared a suitable enclosure for them for the rehabilitation process. Initial tests found that they were suffering from exhaustion and hunger, and they are now receiving controlled feeding, medication, and close medical monitoring.

Cruel wildlife trade

Ben Rosenberg, of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, emphasizes that keeping wild animals is illegal and also endangers the public. "Lions and monkeys are not pets. In addition to severely harming their welfare, such smuggling could bring diseases and destabilize the ecosystem."

Continuing suffering – illegal trafficking

Uri Laniel, director of the captive wildlife department at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, describes the suffering the cubs endured. "The female is in particularly serious condition, with significant physical injuries. Wild animals should grow up in a pack in the wild, but they are torn from their environment and kept in terrible conditions."

Rehabilitation in a designated shelter

Along with the cubs, three green howler monkeys were captured, which were also smuggled into Israel. The monkeys were transferred to the Israeli Monkey Sanctuary, where they will undergo comprehensive medical examinations. Dr. Tamar Friedman, the founder of the sanctuary, warns: "Smuggled monkeys may carry dangerous diseases to anyone who comes into contact with them. We are working to save them and stabilize their condition."

The fight against wildlife traffickers

The Nature and Parks Authority emphasizes the need to increase enforcement and punishment of wildlife traffickers. "This is a cruel industry run by criminal elements," explains Leniel. "The public is called upon to report any suspicion of illegal possession of wildlife, in order to stop this serious phenomenon and prevent further animal suffering."