IFAW Sends Urgently Needed Aid to Surviving Animals at the Tripoli Zoo

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Tripoli Zoo received critical funds today from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW- www.ifaw.org) that extend a life line to animals caught in the middle of the ongoing armed conflict in Libya.

Moments after the National Transitional Council (NTC) took control of the Libyan capital, IFAW's focus turned to the animals living at the Tripoli Zoo. The zoo is located in very close proximity to Gadhafi's former compound at Bab al-Aziziya which was the center of intense fighting. More than a thousand animals live in the zoo including a tiger, lions, hyenas, hippos, deer and monkeys to name a few.

"The situation in Libya is still very unstable but we're doing everything in our power to help the animals caught in the middle of this crisis," said Dr. Ian Robinson, IFAW's Emergency Relief Director. "The arrival of this initial aid into Tripoli gives us hope and we continue working hard to establish long-term support for the animals."

The cost to feed the animals at the Tripoli Zoo is close to $2,000 a day. Large carnivores like the tiger and lions can eat 20-30 pounds of meat a day. IFAW's support will help ensure that animals have sufficient food and water.

Extended power outages in the capital city have also disabled the zoo's refrigerators. Under scorching temperatures the existing veterinary medicine has been rendered useless. Not currently available in-country, these medicines are also desperately needed and IFAW is working on ways to get these and other supplies into Tripoli.

"We thank IFAW so much for their interest and support of the Tripoli Zoo in this time of great need," said Dr. Abdel Fattah Husin, Director of the Tripoli Zoo.

From the onset of social and political unrest in the Middle East last spring, IFAW stepped in to help the Tunis Zoo in Tunisia and two animal welfare groups in Egypt.

In 2003, IFAW rushed a team of experts and supplies to the Baghdad Zoo and worked there for weeks to ensure the well-being and survival of over 400 animals including lions, tigers, brown bears, wolves and primates.

About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare