Lions starving in Sudan spark global concern

At a forlorn zoo in Sudan's capital, several lions are starving in rusted cages.

They desperately need food and water.

The searing photographs, shared on social media by a local animal advocate, drew an impassioned response from thousands across the world.

Locals concerned about the fate of the lions flocked to offer assistance.

But that wasn't enough to save two lionesses, according to local activist Zuhair al-Sarag.

"This is actually a crime," said al-Sarag, adding that the park once teemed with animals that are now mostly dead or evacuated. "Someone should be held accountable."

Only three lions, weak and emaciated, remain.

Soaring food prices in Sudan triggered a mass protest movement last year that convulsed the large African country, ultimately ousting longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in April.

Months later a civilian-military transitional council replaced al-Bashir's rule, and inherited its problems, including some 60 billion (US dollars) in debt and rebellions in its far-flung provinces.

The steep prices and economic hardship have caused animals to suffer, too.

"Many international organizations are willing to help," said Osman Mohamed Salih, the advocate who first circulated the pictures, including an emergency rescue group expected in Sudan soon.