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The final animals abandoned and made to suffer at a zoo in war-torn Syria have been freed and will get treatment and permanent caring homes.

The two lions and two dogs were surrounded by bomb explosions and gunshots every day and became malnourished in tiny cages at the amusement park zoo .

They lived in cramped conditions with nine other abandoned animals , all of which were rescued last week and sent to safety in Turkey.

Those include a hyena, which had become completely blind, and a tiger, which suffered a cardiac arrest but was resustitated.

(Image: AFP) (Image: AFP)

Now all 13 animals have been sent to Turkey and have received, or will receive, medical treatment at a wildlife rescue centre.

They will then each be given caring homes in sanctuaries across the world once they recover from various vile ailments.

Dr Amil Khali, a vet and head of the mission for animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, said: "Just the fact that the first nine animals were brought out of Syria is a miracle.

"It was an organizational and logistical feat. It makes us incredibly happy that we could rescue the remaining animals who were still suffering.

"We would not have been able to achieve this without the many Turkish volunteers, who helped with the logistics and provided us with important contacts on-site. Many of them took time out of their job or even came from abroad to help.

"We are also very grateful for the support of the Turkish government which opened the border for us."

(Image: AFP) (Image: AFP)

A team of local vets in Turkey has supported FOUR PAWS' incredible mission, which took months to plan.

Dr Frank Göritz, who is assisting the care, said: "Unfortunately, the male hyena is completely blind and the female is suffering from a severe kidney disease.

"The medical condition of both tigers has also take a hit. One even suffered a cardiac arrest, but we were able to resuscitate him."

(Image: AFP) (Image: AFP)

US businessman and journalist Eric Margolis helped fund the work.

He said: "I am so relieved that the rescue operation was successful. The zoo animals had no chance of escaping their tiny cages.

"They were surrounded by bomb explosions and gunshots every single day. This mission has saved their lives. I look forward to visiting the animals soon in their new homes."