Financial crisis endangers Lebanese zoo animals

Amid the economic crisis, zoos in Lebanon are struggling to maintain the proper conditions for the animals.

Núria Vilà @nurivilcom

Report published at Al Monitor.

October 4, 2021

NAHR EL-KALB VALLEY and BEIRUT, Lebanon — The end of summer approaches but it’s still hot, at least in Lebanon. In a zoo less than half an hour from Beirut, most of the animals remain lying on the ground. But as the sun got lower in the sky, dozens of children arrive and the animals get excited — or nervous.

The children were there for a birthday party and before eating cake, they have a chance to touch and take pictures with a baby lion, bear and macaque. The children were quite afraid to get close to the animals, but their parents encouraged them to touch the babies and pose for pictures.