Ending lion trafficking in Lebanon

Zoos in Lebanon breed lions as exotic pets in shocking conditions with little regard for their fate afterwards, animal rights activists say. Cash-strapped zoos can make real money from selling lions, tigers and cheetahs - especially cubs - to the country's elite during a period where the rest of the country can ill afford the 3 euro ($3.30) entrance fee.

"Most of these animals are being bought from zoos - which is why we're focusing on them," explained Jason Mier, director of Animals Lebanon. "A zoo shouldn't be selling animals … and that's why there is now a new law approved by the government to stop this illegal trafficking," Mier told DW.

A young lioness was rescued after being abused and underfed. After surgery and repeated attempts to save "Queen," vets finally had to put her down. Out of this, the Animals Lebanon campaign began. No lion that leaves a zoo and goes into private "care" lives more than two years, the group says.

Zoos in Lebanon are in a pretty dismal state, generally keeping animals in appalling conditions - according to Animals Lebanon, "often without food, water or shade." This appeared to be the case at Zazoo City, which had two lions and one tiger, yet appears to be severely underfunded.

Without even water for its ducks and geese, it's hard to imagine how a zoo can manage to feed animals - particularly large cats - and maintain the upkeep. Zoo owners, animal rights activists believe, are no longer interested in ticket revenues during this economic slump, since having discovered that animal trafficking is much more profitable - with a lion selling for around $10,000.

Of course, not all zoo animals are mistreated. The welfare of zoo animals particularly becomes problematic when governance problems plague a country or region. Animals including this tiger, Laziz, were recently evacuated from the "world's worst zoo" in Gaza, which has been decimated by repeated warfare and a blockade.

This lion cub was taken from a zoo to be used on a television show. Mostly, however, zoos sell lion cubs to private owners. But such days may be coming to an end. Lebanon's Minister of Agriculture Akram Chehayeb has pledged to use "all legal means to seize any animals from traffickers or unlicensed shops. These animals don't belong in a cage or in a home as a symbol of power or personal wealth."

Children are often at the heart of the matter. Wealthy parents buy a lion cub for a daughter or son, without considering how to care for it once it grows to full size. Often, concerned parties alert Animals Lebanon to children showing photos of their "pets" on their phones at school. The group can then take action to rescue the animal.

Zoos are also being lobbied by Animals Lebanon to get their houses in order as the Lebanese government issues ultimatums. This "softly, softly" approach, Mier believes, will be a winner in the longer term. European Union-funded support helps - including sending European zookeepers to Lebanon to talk to their Lebanese colleagues.