Sudan Lions Reserve warns that food supplies are running low amid conflict

A wildlife reserve that is home to 25 lions and other animals has been threatened by the intense fighting that has rocked Sudan, destroyed the country, and killed hundreds of people.

According to the facility, it lacks electricity to run safety gates around enclosures and is running low on food for the cats, who each need five to ten kilograms (11 to 22 pounds) of meat daily.

On April 15, fighting broke out in Sudan between Abdel Fattah al-army-aligned Burhan’s forces and those of Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the former deputy and current competitor who is in charge of the potent paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

In the already one of the poorest countries in the world, the clashes have resulted in more than 400 fatalities, thousands of injuries, and the possibility of further unrest.

The Sudan Animal Rescue Centre issued a statement beginning, “First, may Allah protect Sudan and the people of Sudan,” and warning that the situation at the sanctuary had also become “serious.”

The sanctuary, which is about an hour’s drive southeast of Khartoum and close to a military post that had experienced “deadly clashes on a daily basis,” was no longer staffed permanently, according to the statement.

In addition to 25 lions and other creatures like gazelles, camels, monkeys, hyenas, and birds, the sanctuary also shelters 25 lions.

“We are under tremendous pressure due to the current power outage, and our stocks of food and drink are beginning to run out,” it said, adding that one of its vehicles had been stolen.

The power outage had become “a real threat” because the facility relies on electricity to power equipment for the animal enclosures.

“We therefore appeal to all officials and those with the ability to help with the need to intervene … as soon as possible,” it added in the statement.