Brave, Beautiful Marjan
This is the magnificent Marjan of the Kabul Zoo in Afghanistan. Marjan is blind, or partially blind, in both eyes, and has suffered damage to his face from a grenade attack by a Taliban, but this 25-year old survivor remains a true Stunner!
Like 'em Catty?
Note: January 26, 2002, this message from the North Carolina Zoo Society, only days after above photo was taken:
The Zoo Society learned on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, that Marjan the lion died has died.
John Walsh, international projects director of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, reported that Marjan probably died of liver and kidney failure associated with his age. Marjan was 25 years old, which is quite old for a lion.
There is no way to express the sorrow we all feel about this loss.
However, the Zoo Society wants to thank all the donors to the Kabul Zoo and the Afghan Animal Funds for the difference their gifts were able to make in Marjan's last days.
Because of you, Marjan died in a warm place. He was well fed. He was at home, and that home had become safe and familiar and comfortable once again.
In a sense, Marjan died a hero. His story and his picture stirred the hearts of people all over the world. Thousands of people donated gifts to help him, and these gifts will end up helping thousands of people and other animals throughout Afghanistan.
Marjan gave us all a way and a reason to unite against evil. And, together, we gave Marjan the chance to feel warm and at a peace when he died.
Further note: Marjan died on 23 January 2002 and was buried at the Kabul Zoo on Saturday evening 28 January 2002.
