In the midst of Yemen’s devastating civil war, a story of vulnerability and urgency unfolds within the walls of Taiz Zoo, situated in the southern part of the country. The zoo, now home to two tiny Arabian leopard cubs, faces a dire situation as it teeters on the brink of running out of food supplies, with the lives of its inhabitants, days away from starvation.
The arrival of these cubs, yet to be named, underscores a critical moment for conservation efforts, especially considering their species, the Arabian leopard, is one of the most endangered big cats in the world. With an estimated mere 80 of these majestic creatures left in the wild, the birth of the cubs at Taiz Zoo brings both hope and a renewed sense of desperation.
The cubs were born to Fedhah, an Arabian leopard residing in the zoo, and have since been under continuous guard following the mysterious disappearance of two previous litters born within the last six months. This precaution speaks volumes about the zoo’s current state, where over 200 animals, including 26 adult Arabian leopards, 19 lions, hyenas, a crocodile, baboons, porcupines, monkeys, and various birds, suffer from the ongoing conflict that surrounds them.
Since declaring bankruptcy in 2015, Taiz Zoo has seen no visitors, a direct result of the ongoing warfare. Fundraisers have been the lifeline for these animals, managing to raise enough cash to feed the zoo’s residents. However, with the funds dwindling and only enough resources to last another week, the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
SOS Zoo and Bear Rescue, a volunteer group committed to keeping these animals alive, has been at the forefront of efforts to save them. They face numerous challenges, not least of which is the zoo’s location in a dangerous war zone, making evacuation efforts complex and fraught with difficulty. The group’s spokesperson revealed the grim reality: they have been managing to provide food and water since February but are now facing a critical shortage of funds.
The war in Yemen shows no signs of abating, and with no organization able to intervene, the specter of starvation looms large over the zoo once again. The birth of the leopard cubs, a moment that should have been met with celebration, is instead shadowed by the uncertainty and tragedy of their circumstances.
Earlier this year, Taiz Zoo was thrust into the international spotlight when harrowing images of a leopard eating its deceased mate and of animals with severe sores living in inadequate conditions circulated on social media. These images brought global attention to the zoo’s plight, yet the future of its inhabitants remains uncertain.
As the clock ticks down, the story of Taiz Zoo and its newest additions, the Arabian leopard cubs, stands as a poignant reminder of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of human conflict. The urgent call for help goes out, not only for the sake of these two cubs but for all the animals at Taiz Zoo, whose survival hangs in the balance.
