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Lula and Simba rescued from Mosul zoo
Lula
Lula (pictured) and Simba will remain in their temporary enclosures until they have adapted to their new surroundings

Animals transferred to a rescue centre in Jordan

International rescue team FOUR PAWS are celebrating following the successful rescue of lion Simba and bear Lula from the bombed-out Montazah Al-Morour Zoo in Mosul, Iraq.

FOUR PAWS arrived in Mosul several weeks ago following an armed conflict between Iraqi and IS forces. They found the animals starving and in desperate need of care - the bombings had killed many of the animals, while several more escaped.

In March, FOUR PAWS attempted to rescue the last two remaining animals - Simba and Lula - but their attempt was thwarted after the military prevented them from crossing the border. Simba and Lula have since spent the last nine days waiting at a checkpoint controlled by the Iraqi Army and the Kurdistan region.

Now, following lengthy negotiations with representatives of the government, Simba and Lula have finally arrived at the rescue and rehabilitation centre New Hope in Amman, Jordan. Yesterday (11 April), FOUR PAWS released the animals into temporary enclosures where they can now begin their recovery.

“It has been a massive challenge but now we are so happy that we’ve been able to bring Lula and Simba to New Hope Centre where they are well cared for,” said FOUR PAWS vet and leader of the mission Dr Amil Khalil.

“From now on they will have a much better life. With proper food, veterinary care and in a species appropriate environment, they can live without the constant danger of a nearby war-zone and the noise of bomb blasts in the background.”

Lula and Simba will remain in their temporary enclosures until they have adapted to their new surroundings and their permanent enclosure is ready for them.

The New Hope Centre, which is financially supported by FOUR PAWS, was established in January 2010 by the Princess Alia Foundation. The purpose of the centre is to provide rehoming, rehabilitation and veterinary treatment for animals rescued from very poor keeping conditions.

FOUR PAWS have set up a fundraising page to help give Lula and Simba a welcoming, species-appropriate enclosure with enough space for them to act out their natural instincts. To pledge your support to the campaign, visit: https://action.four-paws.org.uk/donate/iraq

Image (C) FOUR PAWS

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.