NEWSLINK: Saudi patrol catches Yemeni smugglers with cheetahs

Saudi security officials have thwarted an attempt by Yemeni smugglers to sneak three cheetahs into the Kingdom hidden in rice bags.


A patrol in Jazan found the animals concealed in burlap sacks after intercepting the smugglers near the border with Yemen.


According to sources, the big cats were taken into the care of the Saudi Wildlife Authority and transferred to a reserve by specialized teams.


Dr. Ahmad Al-Bouq, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s environmental adviser, said: “The smuggled cheetahs came from Africa, where South African, royal and other kinds of cheetah can be found.”


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