Kabul Zoo: A Sanctuary Amidst the City

Kabul Zoo, inaugurated in 1967, is located on the banks of the Kabul River, adjacent to the Deh Mazang Circle [2, 3]. It stands as a testament to Afghanistan's resilience, offering a connection to nature within the bustling city [3].In its early years, the zoo was a symbol of modernization, supported by the government and German zoologists [3, 7]. By 1972, it housed over 400 animals, including rare species like the Bactrian Wapiti and Goitered Gazelle [3, 7]. The zoo suffered significant damage during the 1990s civil war, with shelling and looting leading to the loss of many animals and infrastructure [2, 3]. Despite the chaos, a dedicated team of zookeepers kept the zoo open [3].The Taliban's rise in 1996 initially threatened the zoo's existence, but it remained open after a zookeeper referenced the Prophet Muhammad's fondness for pets [2, 3]. Marjan the lion, who was born in Germany and donated to Kabul Zoo in 1976, became a symbol of the zoo's and the country's suffering [3, 14]. A bronze statue of Marjan stands at the zoo's entrance [2, 3].Today, the zoo houses over 600 animals from 100 different families [3, 13]. Visitors can see lions, bears, wolves, macaques, and various bird species [3]. The zoo is a popular spot for families and individuals seeking recreation and a connection with wildlife [2, 3, 13].