Jasim Ali with lion Teymour, whom he says he rescued from a farm where he was a neglected pet.
Teymour the lion —
Jasim Ali with lion Teymour, whom he says he rescued from a farm where he was a neglected pet.
A Siberian tiger at Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center. Ninety percent of the center's animals are rescued.
Siberian tiger —
A Siberian tiger at Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center. Ninety percent of the center's animals are rescued.
A family of white lions at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center, where most confiscated big cats are brought. White lions can go for $50,000 on the black market, according the to center.
White lion family —
A family of white lions at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center, where most confiscated big cats are brought. White lions can go for $50,000 on the black market, according the to center.
An endangered Nile crocodile in Ras Al Khaimah Wildlife Park. A baby crocodile can be bought illegally in animals markets for as little as $150, according to Ali.
Nile crocodile —
An endangered Nile crocodile in Ras Al Khaimah Wildlife Park. A baby crocodile can be bought illegally in animals markets for as little as $150, according to Ali.
Cheetahs, the fastest animals on land, are popular status symbol pets. One YouTube video shows a cheetah being lead around on a leash indoors.
Cheetah —
Cheetahs, the fastest animals on land, are popular status symbol pets. One YouTube video shows a cheetah being lead around on a leash indoors.
White lion cubs at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center. Some big cats bought as cubs are abandoned when they grow bigger and more violent.
White lion cubs —
White lion cubs at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center. Some big cats bought as cubs are abandoned when they grow bigger and more violent.
Ayesha Kelaif with her South American macaw Rio, an endangered animal. She found him abandoned in a cardboard box in a parking lot.
Rio the South American Macaw —
Ayesha Kelaif with her South American macaw Rio, an endangered animal. She found him abandoned in a cardboard box in a parking lot.
A 75-year-old tortoise at Dubai Animal Rescue Center. Founder Ayesha Kelaif says these tortoises live to 150, so she says you have to plan ahead when you buy an animal.
Tortoise —
A 75-year-old tortoise at Dubai Animal Rescue Center. Founder Ayesha Kelaif says these tortoises live to 150, so she says you have to plan ahead when you buy an animal.
A rescued white tiger at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center.
White tiger —
A rescued white tiger at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center.
A black jaguar at Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center, where most confiscated pets are looked after.
Black jaguar —
A black jaguar at Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center, where most confiscated pets are looked after.