A MODERN-DAY NOAH’S ARK

AMONG THE REFUGEES that crossed the Polish border was an unlikely group: six lions, four tigers, two caracals (African wild cats), an endangered African wild dog, and a capuchin monkey, all sharing space in a cramped truck. One lion’s crate was held shut by cages placed against it. With war encroaching, the menagerie had been plucked from a preserve for abused wild animals by the Dutch animal rescue organization Aap—dutch for ape. After skirting roadblocks and live fire, the truck entered Poland, and the animals were sent to rescue centers in Spain and Belgium. Soon after, the wild dog was spotted playing and chasing his own tail. It was a welcome sight, says AAP’S director, David van Gennep. “After everything they have been through, our first goal is to see them develop into healthy, normal animals.”