Starving animals in Yemen zoo have turned to cannibalism to survive

Lions, leopards and other animals are starving to death, turning to cannibalism and suffering from weeping wounds thanks to lack of funding and access to resources.

These are the shocking images of innocent animals starving to death as a result of the conflict in Yemen.

Taiz Zoo, in southern Yemen, is in the midst of a crisis as animals are starved of food, water and medical care thanks to recent wars in the Middle East .

The United Nations say the human tragedy since armed conflict began in March 2015 is estimated to have left 21.2 million people - 82 per cent of the population - requiring some form of humanitarian or protection assistance.

And in the town of Taiz the crisis means a zoo that is home to around 280 animals has now become the focus of a brave rescue effort.

Chantal Jonkergouw, on behalf of volunteer groups SOS Zoo and Bear Rescue, said the animals are fast 'becoming the victims of human conflict."