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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.