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Marjan the lion dies in Kabul zoo

One of Afghanistan's most popular symbols of survival has died of old age.

South Asia correspondent Jonathan Harley reports.

"After years of neglect and surrounded by fighting, 48-year old Marjan the lion has died at Kabul Zoo. He was lame and half-blind, reportedly the result of a grenade attack by the angry Taliban. Legend has it the man attacked Marjan in revenge for the mauling of his brother after he climbed the lion's cage to demonstrate his bravery. Marjan has captured the hearts of animal lovers around the world and an international animal rescue mission arrived in Kabul to help him earlier this month. After years of conflict and attentions focussed on Afghanistan's desperate humanitarian crisis, the Kabul zoo has become a pathetic battered place with only a few animals remaining...though there are plans to rebuild it."

28/01/2002 4:05:41 AM | ABC Radio Australia News

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