Zoo mercy mission all set to go
Animal rescue teams were due to leave for Kabul today on a mercy mission to save creatures caught up in the Afghanistan conflict.
Marjon, a one-eyed lion, and a bear will get the help they need when the relief teams from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) arrive in the city.
They leave London today and are expected in the Afghan capital on Thursday after a stop in Islamabad.
The plight of Marjon and the other animals that had been ill-treated by the Taliban won the sympathy of many around the world as stories of their ill-treatment spread.
Labour MP Tony Banks tabled a Commons motion calling for cash and veterinary help for the wounded creatures as the public donated thousands of pounds to help them.
An initial assessment team from WSPA includes Gerard Huertas and John Walsh, two of the society’s most experienced staff in dealing with animals caught up in disaster.
The zoo animals are a priority but the team will be carrying out an assessment of the wider problems facing creatures in Afghanistan.
The WSPA team will be equipped to handle animal first aid, which could include treating wounds of starving and dehydrated animals.
A second WSPA team is due to follow the assessment team to Kabul next week.
This will include a vet with extensive experience of treating animals in the aftermath of disasters. Depending on the magnitude of the problem, there may be further visits by subsequent teams.
WSPA has already established a regular supply of food to all the animals in Kabul zoo. But as an expert in the field of disaster relief, WSPA is aware that animal suffering in Afghanistan is likely to extend outside the zoo to livestock, draught animals and stray dogs.
Mr Walsh, WSPA international projects director, said: ‘‘The current crisis in Afghanistan has become a terrible tragedy for the people of the region and their animals.
‘‘In situations like this, WSPA has a track record in working to address the problems facing the livestock and pet animal populations.
‘‘During the previous conflict in Afghanistan, a WSPA team visited the Kabul zoo and provided medical treatment to the animals there. WSPA is committed to doing all it can to alleviate their suffering now.’’
