Captivity Under Scrutiny: Reports of Neglect and Rescue in Zoos Across the Middle East and North Africa
Across the Middle East and North Africa, zoos and circuses have long been presented as places of leisure, education, or cultural tradition. From Gaza’s Rafah Zoo to Egypt’s Giza Zoo, from Lebanon’s roadside collections to Riyadh Zoo in Saudi Arabia, and from Al Ain Zoo in the UAE to Rabat Zoo in Morocco, these institutions are part of the region’s history. Yet recent rescues and investigations reveal a different reality: lions starving in Gaza, cubs like Sara suffering neglect in Lebanon, fatal attacks in Egyptian zoos and circuses, and disturbing reports during Giza Zoo’s 2026 reopening. These cases show that captivity itself creates harm, regardless of modernization or welfare claims, and that rescue remains the only meaningful response.
Unseen Animal Suffering of the Season: Rethinking Holiday Joy
The holidays bring families together in search of festive activities. Children are on school break, parents look for ways to create joyful memories, and communities promote outings that promise discovery and entertainment. Zoos, aquariums, circuses, farm visits, animal rides, and even pet shops are marketed as wholesome experiences, places where children can “learn about animals,” enjoy a spectacle, or receive a “special gift.” Yet industries built on animal exploitation intensify their efforts during this season, carefully staging what looks like joy at the expense of animals’ wellbeing.