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AROUND THE WORLD 2: A New Lion for the Kabul Zoo

Many years ago, the Kabul Zoo was well known for its many interesting animals. Recently, the animals in the Kabul Zoo in Afghanistan have been through some tough times. The zoo, in Afghanistan's capital, has been in the middle of nearly twenty years of war and fighting. At times, the fighting was so close that animals were in danger of being shot. But now, Afghanistan is at peace, and the zoo is being rebuilt.

To celebrate the new peace in Afghanistan, China has given a very special gift: two lions, two deer, two pigs and a wolf. The Afghan people are excited to have new animals in their zoo, because for many years they only had rabbits and monkeys and an old lion, Marjan. Marjan was a famous lion, but he died earlier this year.

The new lions are Zhuang Zhuang and Kelly. Zhuang Zhuang is a 165-pound male lion. His name means "strong boy." Kelly is a 143-pound female. The two lions are getting used to their new home in Afghanistan.

Some people are worried that the zoo is not ready to have new animals yet. There is still a lot of damage from the years of war. People around the world have donated money to the zoo, but that money hasn't reached the zoo yet. The World Society for the Protection of Animals has donated money for electricity and water pump. They have also promised to help make sure that the animals are fed. Someday, the Kabul Zoo may be known for its wonderful animals once again.


-Written by Cate Dunham

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