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Hamas Frees Kidnapped Lioness

Crime gang stole cub Sabrina from Gaza zoo 20 months ago

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 10, 2007 4:23 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Hamas soldiers yesterday freed Sabrina the lioness in a raid on a Palestinian crime gang that kidnapped her 20 months ago. The four-month-old cub and a pair of Arabic-speaking parrots were snatched from the Gaza zoo, and Sabrina was left to languish in a dark cell where curious spectators snapped her photo for $1.

Sabrina is back at the zoo with her brother, Sakher, who managed to fight off the kidnappers, and is being fed minced meat to restore her strength. She's suffering from malnourishment and is missing teeth and a piece of her tail.  "We will start a long, arduous treatment to ensure she can survive," said the zoo's vet.

Freed lion Sabrina, left, plays with brother Sakher, right, after it was returned to the Zoo in Gaza City, Monday, July 9, 2007. Hamas militiamen raiding the hideout of a notorious drug ring stumbled upon a lion stolen at riflepoint two years ago from the Gaza Zoo, said a force...
Freed lion Sabrina, left, plays with brother Sakher, right, after it was returned to the Zoo in Gaza City, Monday, July 9, 2007. Hamas militiamen raiding the hideout of a notorious drug ring stumbled...   (Associated Press)
Freed lioness Sabrina is seen after she was returned to the Zoo in Gaza City, Monday, July 9, 2007. Hamas militiamen raiding the hideout of a notorious drug ring stumbled upon Sabrina the lion stolen at riflepoint two years ago from the Gaza Zoo, said a force commander, Abu Hamam...
Freed lioness Sabrina is seen after she was returned to the Zoo in Gaza City, Monday, July 9, 2007. Hamas militiamen raiding the hideout of a notorious drug ring stumbled upon Sabrina the lion stolen...   (Associated Press)
Freed lioness Sabrina, left, stands with brother Sakher, right, after she was returned to the Zoo in Gaza City, Monday, July 9, 2007. Hamas militiamen raiding the hideout of a notorious drug ring stumbled upon Sabrina the lion stolen at riflepoint two years ago from the Gaza Zoo, said a...
Freed lioness Sabrina, left, stands with brother Sakher, right, after she was returned to the Zoo in Gaza City, Monday, July 9, 2007. Hamas militiamen raiding the hideout of a notorious drug ring stumbled...   (Associated Press)
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