In an operational mission guided by intelligence from detectives of the Segev Shalom police station, and in cooperation with National Guard officers from the Southern Command, a lion cub was discovered last night (Saturday) in an open area within the town of Bir Hadaj.
At the same time, undercover units from the area located a monkey inside a school in the town of Tel Sheva. Later, detectives from the Be’er Sheva police station found another monkey in the encampment near Be’er Sheva Prison.
Rescue Operation Uncovers Severe Animal Abuse
During the operation, the animals were discovered in poor condition and were immediately transferred to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, where they were placed in secure facilities and underwent medical examinations.
After being transferred to the care of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the Israeli Primate Sanctuary Foundation, it was revealed that the rescued wildlife suffered from severe physical injuries and had been kept in chains.
All the animals, which are very young, were found in a dire physical state, having been kept in appalling conditions, including chains and restraints that caused significant physical harm.
Watch the lion cubs:
Irreversible Damage to the Lion Cubs
Head of the Wildlife Trafficking Department at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Uri Laniel explained that the lion cubs—a male and a female, both only about two months old—had suffered severe neglect. “Unfortunately, the female is in very poor condition. The chains and restraints caused real physical damage,” said Laniel. “These animals will never be able to return to the wild, and ensuring them a good quality of life will be extremely difficult.”
He emphasized that illegal wildlife trafficking is a cruel practice often linked to organized crime and illicit financial dealings. “We are doing everything in our power, along with our partners, to put an end to this horrifying and brutal phenomenon,” he added.
Elad Huminer, deputy editor-in-chief at Rega News, has frequently raised concerns about the illegal wildlife trade in the Bedouin encampments. He stressed that the condition of the rescued animals highlights the extensive work still needed in this area. “Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg of a cruel and dangerous phenomenon that requires determined action from security forces and increased enforcement,” Huminer stated. “Rescuing these animals and prosecuting those responsible are crucial steps in fighting this painful issue.”
On his X account, Huminer brought to light one such instance, a malnourished and abused deer:
לצערנו ל @IL_police ולשוטרי מרחב הנגב יש עוד הרבה עבודה אצל הבדואים. למשל הצבי המסכן הזה. pic.twitter.com/fifHH4VtED
— אלעד הוּמינר العاد هومينر (@EladHumi) March 9, 2025
Severely Malnourished Monkeys: Concern Over Dangerous Diseases
Dr. Tamar Fredman, founder of the Israeli Primate Sanctuary Foundation, reported that the three rescued monkeys are now undergoing comprehensive medical examinations. “Blood samples will be sent to a laboratory abroad to rule out dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans,” she explained. “Smuggled monkeys are never screened and may carry highly infectious diseases that pose serious health risks to anyone who comes into contact with them.”
One of the female monkeys was in particularly critical condition due to extreme neglect. “Infant monkeys must remain with their mothers for the first year of their lives to develop a sense of security and emotional resilience,” Fredman noted. “Being torn from their mothers for the sake of the cruel wildlife trade severely harms their development, often leading to abnormal behaviors.”
Fighting a Brutal Trade
Both the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the Israeli Primate Sanctuary Foundation emphasize that combating illegal wildlife trafficking is a long and complex struggle. Beyond the severe physical and psychological harm inflicted on the animals, there is also a significant public health risk due to the potential spread of diseases. Efforts to end the cruel trade in wild animals continue, while the rescued animals will receive ongoing care and rehabilitation in safe, specially designed facilities.
Menachem Marton contributed to this article.
