Not too long ago, most people had never heard of Al Qurashi Family Park Zoo in Sudan's capital city of Khartoum. But that all changed with viral photos of the park - showing the animals' deplorable state and living conditions - went viral online.
The zoo staff had apparently stopped caring for the animals because the country was in a serious economic crisis. The park's lions particularly looked as if they were on their last legs and people the world over demanded action, even donating money to get them the help they needed.
Luckily help was at hand thanks to global animal welfare organisation Four Paws. Since arriving on site the team has administered life-saving treatment to the animals and the initial signs are looking positive for their recovery.
Yet, the question remains, why is a zoo - which can't afford to feed and care for its menagerie - even allowed to have animals. As animal lovers, we know that no wild animal should be held in captivity, but when you add the fact that they are forced to live in unsanitary, unsafe conditions, the captive animal's plight is even more heart-breaking.
These animals deserve better. Sign the petition and demand that the park give their animals over to those able to care for them appropriately now.
