Starving animals become cannibals to survive in war-ravaged zoo

Heartbreaking photos show once majestic lions and rare Arabian leopards looking forlorn as they feast on their own family members.

One particularly disturbing image shows a male leopard eating his female companion.

Around 280 residents at Taiz Zoo have been abandoned since violence broke out last March.

More than 21million people - around 82 per cent of the population - have been affected by the crisis, according to the UN.

The plight of the animals was brought to the world's attention thanks to the brave rescue efforts of intentional volunteer groups.

They launched a Facebook campaign to help the poor animals, which also include hyenas, snakes, crocodiles, baboons and birds.

Speaking on behalf of the SOS Zoo and Bear Rescue, Chantal Jonkergouw said: "Arabian leopards are an endangered species and they are starving to the extent that one male has started eating the corpse of his female companion.

"One of the leopards is pregnant and in the past five months, 11 lions and six leopards have already died.

"As we are taking stock of all the animals at the zoo and capture this in a detailed list with the numbers per species, the daily food and water need as well as the medical needs, we currently have a massive 281 animals to be in the zoo.

"On top of the felines, we also have lynx, hyenas, the endangered oryx, snakes, crocodiles, baboons, owls, parrots, emus, falcons, buzzards or vultures."

The rescue efforts have yielded food, water and medical assistance for the animals - but there is still a long way to go.

Chantal added: 'The rescue has started, but now appears to be a daunting task which requires a lot of support on the ground in Taiz, and a lot of funds to keep the many zoo animals alive.

"The SOS team has started fundraising, but is finding difficulties in getting sufficient funds fast, to cover all the needs.

(dailystar.co.uk)