Animals Lebanon rescues two hyenas

Animals Lebanon Non-Profit Organization declared that it is in the process of transporting two striped hyenas to a reserve in France, after rescuing them from South Lebanon.            

The organization noted that the hyenas, Rita, five years old and Sarra, 2 years, both lived in miserable conditions; Rita at a rundown zoo and Sarra caged at a villa.                

Lana Kahlil, the head of the organization stressed that in many cases hyenas are killed and poisoned without mercy.                     

Hunting operations targeting hyenas has led to the decrease of their number in Lebanon. Consequently, these animals have been categorized among the most endangered of species in the region extending from North Africa, through the Middle East to India.                  

The organization has tirelessly worked over the last year to free the two hyenas from abuse and secure all the permissions to send them to a sanctuary in the European Union.         

For his part, Environment Minister Nazem al-Khoury said that these hyenas are being transported for their safety and in order to protect this species.                   

The hyenas took their flight on Thursday morning and headed for the Terra Tonga sanctuary in France where they will live in a large natural enclosure.