A tragic lion cub rescued by police as it was smuggled on a long distance bus has undergone surgery to remove both of its eyes.
The distressing case of the animal, called Grom, highlights the sinister illegal trade in wild animals for pets of wealthy people.
The cub was discovered in a narrow wooden crate in the luggage compartment of an inter city bus on a 1,200-mile route in Russia, from Makhachkala to Moscow.
The baby, just a few weeks old, had no food or water and vets believe he was removed from his mother before even suckling her milk.
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