Animals from Rafah's zoo have found a new sanctuary in Khan Younis, escaping the conflict further south, as Israel broadened its offensive.
Video: Reuters
The Gomaa family ran Rafah's zoo for twenty-four years. Yet, the ongoing conflict has threatened the safety and wellbeing of the animals and their owners, the family said.
Ahmed Gomaa, the zookeeper, and co-owner, said that the family fled Rafah to Khan Younis around a week ago and brought with them as many animals as they could. But due to the ongoing fighting, some animals – three big lions – were left behind.
"We did not want to take risks by bringing them," said Ahmed Gomaa. "If they stay behind, they will die of hunger or missiles. Something like that." Fathi Gomaa, the zoo's co-owner, said he hoped that the authorities would help them evacuate the remaining animals.
