Kabul Zoo Rescue

Production Details

Presented by James Darling, this film documents the story of Kabul Zoo, a proud institution devastated during the last 20 years of war in Afghanistan, and the WSPA project to save it.

With more than 300 of the zoo’s animals killed in the conflict, the remaining animals are desperately in need of attention as their cramped cages and untreated wounds make conditions intolerable.  In spite of the unfailing care of the zoo staff, the star of the zoo, Marjan the Lion, died during the making of this film.  After 25 years of suffering, including surviving a grenade attack, Marjan finally gave up his struggle.

Despite this setback, the WSPA mission culminated in the move of European wolves and an Asiatic bear from cramped cages into new open enclosures. With the promise of $500,000 from the American Zoo Federation and replacement lions from various donors, the future of the zoo is assured.