Save the lion of Kabul, MPs told

Peter Gruner12 April 2012

Former sports minister Tony Banks is urging Britain to send vets to help the zoo where the one-eyed Lion of Kabul lives.

He has put down an early day parliamentary motion calling on the Government "to provide welfare and protection to Marjan the lion and other innocent creatures caught up in the conflict in Afganistan".

Marjan lost an eye when an Afghan guerrilla threw a grenade in his pit after the Russians were routed in the early Nineties. The man was taking revenge the day after his brother had jumped into Marjan's cage to tease the lion and been killed.

Following the Evening Standard's story about the plight of Marjan and other desperate animals at the stricken zoo, Londonbased animal organisations are poised to help out.

Zoo director Sheragha Omar appealed for aid in his relentless struggle to save the creatures, which suffered brutal treatment at the hands of the Taliban. One atrocity involved a rocket-propelled grenade being fired at an elephant for "fun".

The World Society for the Protection of Animals, in Kennington, hopes to supply aid, or even a vet, as soon as possible.

The Federation of British Zoos, based at London Zoo, is also writing to Environment Minister Michael Meacher for a further assessment of the situation in Kabul. Its support could range from donations, aid or vets travelling there from a worldwide network.

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