In Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, a small zoo is giving children a rare moment of relief amid the devastation of war. Malnourished lions, chimpanzees, parrots and other animals are being cared for by zoo owner Mahmoud Gomaa, who moved surviving animals from Rafah after fleeing Israeli military operations in 2024. Shortages of food, medicine and vaccines have left many animals weakened, while veterinarians warn that constant bombardment has caused severe stress. Despite the challenges, the zoo has reopened, offering traumatised children a place to briefly escape the destruction surrounding them. For many families, it is one of the few remaining spaces for children to play.
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