During an early-morning operation on Saturday, detectives from the Ma’ale Adumim police—serving under the Judea and Samaria District—located a lion cub tied to a tree in the yard of a private home in Abu Dis, just east of Jerusalem. The cub, estimated to be around six months old, was found in poor nutritional condition, though without visible external injuries
In coordination with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA), the cub was transported to a secure wildlife facility for veterinary assessment and care. Officials confirmed that the animal would undergo comprehensive evaluations to determine whether it suffers from further internal damage or long-term health complications
To date, no suspects have been detained or questioned in connection with the incident—raising concerns about law enforcement’s handling of illegal wildlife trafficking in the region. Environmental activists on social media platforms claim the police are relying on informants while turning a blind eye to the criminals behind the trade
גור אריות נתפס באבו דיס ליד מעלה אדומים הבוקר. רשות הטבע והגנים מסרה כי הוא אותר בחצר בית. איש לא נעצר. איש לא עוכב לחקירה. הגור, שרזה לגילו הועבר למתקן בטוח שם יעבור בדיקות נוספות pic.twitter.com/0FC3z8sJYb
— ilana curiel (@ilanacuriel) July 26, 2025
Six cubs, zero justice: the brutal market lives on
The seizure of this lion cub in Abu Dis adds to a troubling pattern across the region. Since the beginning of 2025, six lion cubs have been confiscated in various parts of Israel—highlighting a surge in smuggling activity. The cubs are believed to be trafficked from Egypt or Jordan, sometimes even flown across borders using drones
(Mufti Detained at Al-Aqsa Mosque – Footage Released)
Professionals warn that these animals are typically separated from their mothers at a very young age, kept in inhumane conditions, and are often too traumatized or ill to ever be returned to the wild. The INPA reports that five previously rescued cubs are currently housed in the Hai Park in Kiryat Motzkin, where they receive specialized care—and have been named after Israeli soldiers and victims of the October 7th attacks
