Sudan Lions Reserve Warns Running Low on Food

Lions seen in an enclosure at the Sudan Animal Rescue Center south of the capital Khartoum. AFP
Lions seen in an enclosure at the Sudan Animal Rescue Center south of the capital Khartoum. AFP
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Sudan Lions Reserve Warns Running Low on Food

Lions seen in an enclosure at the Sudan Animal Rescue Center south of the capital Khartoum. AFP
Lions seen in an enclosure at the Sudan Animal Rescue Center south of the capital Khartoum. AFP

Heavy fighting in Sudan, which has plunged the nation into chaos and killed hundreds, has also raised fears about the fate of 25 lions and other animals in a wildlife reserve.

The facility said it is without electricity to power safety fences around enclosures and running low on food for the felines, which each require five to 10 kilograms (11 to 22 pounds) of meat a day.

Violence broke out in the capital and across Sudan on April 15 between forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy turned rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the Rapid Support Forces.

The clashes have killed more than 400 people, wounded thousands and threatened a descent into wider turmoil in the northeast African country, already one of the world's poorest.

"Firstly, may Allah protect Sudan and the people of Sudan," said a statement by the Sudan Animal Rescue Center, which went on to warn that the situation at the sanctuary had also become "critical".

It said it no longer had a permanent staff presence at the sanctuary, located an hour's drive southeast of Khartoum near a military base that had been rocked by "deadly clashes on a daily basis".

The sanctuary houses 25 lions and various other animals including gazelles, camels, monkeys, hyenas and birds, AFP reported.

"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.



King Charles, Camilla to Visit Canada in May

Britain's King Charles III (L) holds an audience with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on March 17, 2025. (AFP)
Britain's King Charles III (L) holds an audience with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on March 17, 2025. (AFP)
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King Charles, Camilla to Visit Canada in May

Britain's King Charles III (L) holds an audience with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on March 17, 2025. (AFP)
Britain's King Charles III (L) holds an audience with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on March 17, 2025. (AFP)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Canada, where the monarch is head of state, from May 26-27 and attend the opening of parliament, Buckingham Palace said Friday.

"The King, accompanied by The Queen, will attend The State Opening of the Parliament of Canada, in Ottawa," a statement read.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, winner of this week's general elections, said the visit would be "an historic honor which matches the weight of our times".

The king hosted Carney at Buckingham Palace in March, at a time when US President Donald Trump was issuing threats against the Commonwealth nation.

It will be Charles' first visit to Canada since becoming king in 2022 and his first trip to a Commonwealth country since touring Australia and Samoa in October.

That visit saw a much-reduced schedule, being the first foreign trip since the king was diagnosed with an unspecified cancer in February 2024.

He is still receiving weekly treatment, but recently completed a visit to Italy.