Police officers from the Segev Shalom police station and Border Police forces have rescued another lion cub on Wednesday.
Like the other two, this one was also found in Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj in the northern Negev, near Kibbutz Revivim, inside a pit.
The cub has been transferred to inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for further care.
The cub will be transferred to a protected sanctuary for medical examinations and care.
In total, Negev District police, the Southern Command, and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority have rescued three lion cubs and seven monkeys.
The police will continue their efforts to locate suspects and rescue illegally held wildlife in the coming days.
"Recently, we have witnessed the illegal possession of smuggled wild animals that are difficult to care for. The harm caused by improper captivity is evident, and unfortunately, these animals will never be able to return to the wild. The animals rescued this past week arrived at treatment centers sick, injured, and often mutilated,” Ben Rosenberg, Head of the Flora and Fauna Protection Division at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, said.
'Horrific' animal abuse
“This is a horrific form of animal abuse that not only endangers the animals but also humans, as they may carry dangerous diseases and pathogens. We thank the public for reporting such cases to us and to the Israel Police when they come across videos online depicting illegal possession of protected wildlife. If you see such videos, continue reporting them to us and the police—it is a matter of saving lives."
"The trade in wildlife is the third-largest criminal industry worldwide, and unfortunately, Israel is not exempt from this phenomenon.” Shai Peretz, Chief Prosecutor of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, added.
“We hope that the Justice Ministry will advance the necessary legal amendment, as we have requested and with the support of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, to ensure that these criminals face severe penalties and that this disgraceful practice is eradicated!"