Posted on 12/01/2001 9:40:11 AM PST by CDHart
N.C. ZOO TO LEAD NATIONAL EFFORT TO AID KABUL ZOO November 29th FOR RELEASE: November 27, 2001 Telephone: 336-879-7204 ASHEBORO—The North Carolina Zoo and its non-profit support organization, the N.C. Zoological Society, have been asked to spearhead a national effort by zoos and aquariums to provide aid for the beleaguered animals in Afghanistan’s Kabul Zoo.
Responding to requests from the public as well as concerns from its own professional membership, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and its 201-accredited institutions are putting plans in place to help the struggling zoo.
According to wire service reports, the Kabul Zoo staff and animals have received little support under the Taliban regime and their problems, including lack of food for the animals, have been exacerbated in recent weeks by America’s war on terrorism.
“We are aware of the plight of the animals in Kabul and the dedication of the staff to keep them alive and well,” said Sydney J. Butler, executive director of the AZA. “The professionals in the North American zoo and aquarium community want to help in any way possible, so we have joined forces with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA) to send aid to the Kabul Zoo.”
AZA officials have called on Dr. David Jones, director of the North Carolina Zoo, to lead the effort. Jones also serves as chairman of the board of the Brooke Hospital, the largest animal welfare organization in Pakistan, and has extensive contacts with other conservation and welfare organizations working in that part of the world.
“Because of the work we do in Pakistan, we have a network of people who can assist in getting funds, food and veterinary items to the Kabul Zoo,” Jones said. “It is imperative that we have reliable mechanisms in place for supporting this effort. As urgent as the need is for humanitarian aid, there is also the need to help animals that have been suffering during these times. As members of the international zoological community, we feel that this is where our expertise and efforts are best spent at this time.” AZA Director Bulter added : “It is our goal to send $10,000 from the zoo and aquarium community here in North America. We will combine our funds with monies raised from other international zoo, animal welfare and conservation organizations with the hope of providing $30,000 in the short term.
According to our figures, this will provide food, shelter and health care for the animals in the Kabul Zoo, as well as paying the salary for the zoo staff, for the next six months. During that time, we can reassess the situation and ascertain what additional help may be needed.” Those interested in donating funds to help the Kabul Zoo can send a check or U.S. money order made out the North Carolina Zoological Society, 4403 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, North Carolina, 27205 and marked for the Kabul Zoo. They can also visit the Zoo Society Web site at www.nczoo.com for more information.
Updates on the situation will be available at www.AZA.org as information is obtained. Founded in 1924, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association is North America’s largest organization of zoo and aquarium professionals, currently representing 201 accredited institutions. AZA’s mission is to support membership excellence in conservation, education, science and recreation.
The North Carolina Zoological Park is an AZA member institution and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. ### © North Carolina Zoological Society. Privacy policy.
Carolyn
Carolyn
Not so sure it was a Taliban fanatic. Could have been anyone of the warring factions. Apparently to this guy it was an "honour" killing because the lion ate his brother who climbed in with the lion and started teasing it. Strange mentality!
I think it's a worthy cause, myself. It wouldn't take much to help the zookeepers who are already doing everything they can to keep this cultural institution alive. DOMINION over animals doesn't mean what alot of people think it means (superiority).
Are you for real?
Okay everybody -- I'm bringing the macaroni salad...
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