They are among dozens of animals that have been rescued from regional war zones, including the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, and brought to Jordan's Al Ma'wa For Nature and Wildlife. The black bears are among 26 animals -- eight lions, 12 lionesses, two Bengal tigers and four bears -- who live in the sprawling 1.4-square-kilometre sanctuary in a wooded mountainous region. Workers at the sanctuary use all sorts of means to help the animals recuperate after years of hardship. - 'Natural habitat' -Al Ma'wa CEO Marek Trela, a Polish veterinary surgeon, said the sanctuary aims to "give a better life to animals who have suffered in different ways". Over the past five years, Four Paws has rescued nearly 100 animals from Gaza, Syria and Iraq, including 43 who were brought out of the Palestinian territory in April.

Source: Bangkok Post May 20, 2019 02:48 UTC