Shut Down the Gaza Strip Zoo!

  • by: Chris Wolverton
  • recipient: Mohammed Awaida, Owner of South Forest Park Zoo in Khan Younis

Animals in a Gaza Strip zoo are dying slow deaths from neglect and starvation because caretakers can't reach them for long periods of time. The Palestinian and Israeli conflict prevents people from reaching the animals, and chemicals shot in the air during the conflict take further toll on animal health.

Dozens of animals have died so far from starvation, neglect and chemical exposure. Heartbreaking photos show a lion's emaciated body decaying in the sun, a mummified baboon who died bearing his teeth, and other horrific sights. A few animals, such as a pelican and a beautiful young deer, have survived so far, but for how long?

Khan Younis Zoo owner Mohammed Awaida shows no remorse for the animals' plight. He says, "It doesn't matter if the animal is alive or dead. We still want to see it." He uses rudimentary taxidermy skills to stuff dead animals, which he displays in the same enclosures as survivors. He continues adding exotic animals to the zoo's collection, knowing they will meet the same fate. He purchases most of the creatures online, and smuggles them into Khan Younis. The Gaza strip has no regulations for zoos and no animal rights movement, so Awaida's deeds go completely unpunished.

Healthy people do not enjoy viewing the dead remains of animals who have clearly suffered. With enough pressure, Awaida may stop collecting animals and allow the surviving animals to be taken to a sanctuary where they can receive regular care. Please sign the petition to urge Mohammed Awaida to shut down his zoo!

We, the undersigned, are concerned about the fate of animals in your Gaza Strip zoo. We understand that the animals are dying slow deaths from neglect and starvation because caretakers can't reach them for long periods of time. We know that the Palestinian and Israeli conflict prevents people from reaching the animals, and chemicals shot in the air during the conflict take further toll on animal health.

We find photos of your zoo animals, including a lion's emaciated body decaying in the sun, and a mummified baboon who died bearing his teeth, incredibly disturbing and sad. We have seen photos of surviving animals, such as a pelican and a beautiful young deer, and are deeply disturbed that they are likely to meet the same fate. We would be very much relieved if you would release the surviving animals to a sanctuary where they can receive regular medical care, food and water in a stable and healthy environment.

We understand that you believe, "It doesn't matter if the animal is alive or dead. We still want to see it." If that is your view, why not purchase stuffed animals from a legitimate and humane taxidermist? Why purchase live animals and condemn them to a long, suffering death? We do not believe anyone wants to see animals that have clearly suffered.



Healthy people do not enjoy viewing the remains of animals that died a horrible death. We urge you to allow your surviving animals to be taken to a sanctuary where they can receive regular care, and to stop collecting live animals. Please stop adding more animals to your zoo! Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.

Sign Petition
Sign Petition
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.

Privacy Policy

By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.

Having problems signing this? Let us know.