'We'll save Kabul lion'

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."