From ANIMAL PEOPLE, January/February 2002:

Marjan, the African lion whose endurance at the Kabul Zoo
made him a symbol of Afghan resiliance, died on January 26 in his
sleep. Of uncertain age, Marjan was donated to the Kabul Zoo by the
Koln Zoo in Germany in 1978.. The Kabul Zoo at the time was the
newest, biggest, and reputed best zoo in all of Asia, with more
than 440 animals, but at least 300 were killed in firefights or died
of war-related stress and deprivation during civil strife that broke
out after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1980. In 1992 Marjan
killed a militia man who jumped into his den to show off. The next
day the victim’s brother blinded Marjan and killed his mate with a
hand grenade. World Society for the Protection of Animals
international projects director John Walsh headed a five-member team
who arrived in Kabul on January 21 to assist Marjan and the other
Kabul Zoo animals, and deliver the first of $350,000 worth of aid
for the zoo raised by North Carolina Zoo director Davy Jones, via
the American Zoo Association and European Zoo Association. Jones et
al also raised funds to assist Afghan dogs, cats, horses, and
other domestic animals, probably via an outpatient clinic which
might be established at the zoo. The zoo has long acquired animals
chiefly by rehabilitating wildlife, to the extent of staff ability,
and keeping those who are too badly injured to be successfully
released.

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