Marjan becomes symbol of Kabul's survival

[Guest guest]

'We'll save Kabul lion'

 

by Peter Gruner

 

International animal experts are today pledging their

support in the campaign to save Marjan, the one-eyed

lion of Kabul.

 

Dominic Tropeano, a leading figure in the 280-strong

European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, offered to

fly to Afghanistan with a team of experts once it is

safe. The Army is also being urged to send a military

vet to assess the health of the animals at Kabul Zoo.

 

" Marjan has become the symbol of the city of

Kabul, " said Mr Tropeano, director of Colchester Zoo.

" As such, he represents the country's new-found

freedom. It is important to the people of Kabul that

the lion lives. "

 

The London-based World Society for the Protection of

Animals and the Born Free Foundation are launching a

fundraising appeal and have received offers of help

for the zoo. John Walsh, an Americanbased campaigner

with World Society for the Protection of Animals,

said: " I was told that the animals are being fed and

are not in immediate danger. But they don't know how

long supplies will last. "

 

There are still 11 workers at the zoo, none of whom

has been paid for three months.

 

" We have offered to take the lion out and place him in

one of our wildlife sanctuaries, at least until he's

fit enough to return to Kabul, " Mr Walsh added. " But

the people of Kabul and the Northern Alliance won't

allow it. He's too important to them. "

 

This is London, 26 Nov.,2001

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/top_story.html?in_review_id=477814 & in\

_review_text_id=433188

 

 

'Pride of Kabul survives Taliban'

 

This is London; 20 Nov,2001

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/top_story.html?in_review_id=475593 & in\

_review_text_id=430845

 

 

...and an 'Evening Standard' editorial comment:

 

'Animal Crackers'

 

'Nothing we have published about Afganistan since the

terrorist crisis began has aroused such response from

the public as our piece earlier this week about the

fate of Marjon, the war-weary lion in Kabul Zoo.

 

This newspaper was inundated by callers enquiring

about his condition. The former Sports Minister, Mr

Tony Banks, was so moved that he tabled an early day

motion in the Commons demanding the declaration of a

new war aim for the coalition: " welfare and

protection " for the poor beast.

 

How reassuring to know, amid all the hyperbole written

after 11 September about how the world had changed

utterly, that some things will always remain the same.

The British are potty about animals.'

 

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