Tiger from 'worst zoo' gets new home
Updated: 2016-08-27 07:48
(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
Laziz the tiger drinks water in a cage upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday. THEMBA HADEBE/ASSOCIATED PRESS |
A Bengal tiger rescued from what activists have called "the worst zoo in the world" arrived in South Africa for a new home on Thursday, after living in a small cage in Gaza alongside another tiger's stuffed corpse.
The 9-year-old male, known as Laziz, arrived by plane. His handlers said he was in good condition and calm after traveling in a wooden crate.
The Four Paws charity launched a rescue effort at the Khan Younis Zoo in Gaza when it discovered that the zoo was displaying the stuffed corpses of animals that had died from stress, disease and starvation.
After the zoo asked for help, Four Paws removed 15 animals on Wednesday, including five monkeys, a porcupine and an emu. Most were destined for an animal sanctuary in Jordan.
The tiger was taken to the Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in the town of Bethlehem in South Africa's Free State province. He took a few groggy steps into his new enclosure, used an old tree trunk as a scratching post and collapsed under a shelter to sleep off the effects of a sedative.
"Laziz is in good condition apart from a scratch on one side of his face, which comes from the crate," Marina Strydom, a veterinarian at Lionsrock, said on Thursday.
The facility already holds about 100 big cats that have been rescued from zoos and circuses around the world. The tiger's new enclosure is several hectares in size with tree trunks, rocks and makeshift structures on which to climb.
Meals will mostly include donkey meat and cow legs.
Years of conflict, longstanding negligence and outbreaks of disease have killed many animals in captivity in Gaza.
Related Stories
Twin South China tiger cubs born at Nanchang Zoo 2016-08-23 06:57
Mystery of missing Jai, a most beloved tiger 2016-07-30 07:43
Tiger pulls plug on rest of season 2016-07-21 08:26
Today's Top News
Italy plans state funeral for quake victims; 268 dead
China rescue team rushes to Italy for earthquake relief
Poland: 1st European state to issue RMB debt in China
Italy rescuers toil as death toll hits nearly 250
More understanding among remaining EU states
At least 73 dead after strong quake strikes Italy
Turkey launch operation in north Syria to fight IS
UK manufacturing export orders highest in 2 years after Brexit vote
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Hollywood snaps up rock star's dog film |
Chinese people welcome dispossessed |
The can-do generation to the fore |
Riding the wave |
Leisure giants buoy cruise market |
She followed her heart |