Rescue at hand for Kabul zoo's forgotten animals

9 Jan, 2002 10:58 AM2 mins to read

LONDON - Experts will fly from Britain to Kabul today in a desperate rescue mission to save some of Afghanistan's longest suffering but largely forgotten war victims - its animals.

The World Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said yesterday that two animal welfare experts would jet to war-ravaged Kabul to assess conditions at the city's crumbling zoo, where some 40 animals are clinging to life.

Among the sad creatures caged in the zoo is Marjan, a one-eyed lion who was a gift from Germany 38 years ago and has weathered coups, wars and United States bombing raids against the Taleban.

The mangy creature became a symbol of animal maltreatment under the Taleban - who left the zoo to neglect when they assumed power in 1996 - and during years of war after his picture appeared in newspapers around the world.

"We are sending two animal welfare experts, one from the United States and one from Costa Rica, to assess the situation in Kabul and to help rebuild its veterinary infrastructure," said society spokesman Jonathan Owen.

"They will be joined by other vets from our staff, but their initial priority is to ensure the animals are as safe, secure and healthy as is possible."

The team, backed by a £160,000 ($536,000) emergency relief fund collected from donations worldwide, will take food, drugs and vaccines to Kabul's animals, as well as their expertise.

Although tending to the wounded at the zoo is the society's priority, the team will also begin tackling the city's runaway problem of stray cats and dogs, many of which carry rabies or other diseases.

"This mission is really just a first step," Owen said.

"It is designed to pave the way for more veterinary staff who will fly in once the situation on the ground is secure."

The society boasts a long history of helping animals victimised by war, most recently after the conflict in Bosnia.

- REUTERS

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