GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — An international welfare group is evacuating dozens of animals languishing in a ramshackle Gaza zoo to sanctuaries abroad.

Vets and volunteers from Four Paws International loaded some 40 animals and birds Sunday and headed to the Israeli border in the northern Gaza Strip en route to resettlement in Jordan and Africa.

The rescued animals include lions, foxes, monkeys and pelicans.

It marks the fourth and largest Gaza rescue mission by the Vienna-based organization since Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on the Palestinian enclave in 2007.

More from this section The future of in-flight experience WA:FAKE RIDESHARE SUSPECT IN COURT-NEW DETAILS Family takes photo with hidden camera found in Airbnb The blockade and three wars between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers have made life dire for Gaza's 2 million residents, let alone its animals who were already mistreated.

Some died of cold and hunger in makeshift zoos as keepers failed to provide adequate care.