Kabul Zoo: A Sanctuary of Wildlife in a Recovering City

Kabul Zoo, inaugurated in 1967, is located on the bank of the Kabul River, adjacent to the Deh Mazang Circle [3, 4]. The zoo was once a symbol of modernization and national pride, showcasing a diverse collection of Afghan fauna and exotic species [4, 9, 10]. By 1972, it housed over 400 animals, including rare and endangered species [4, 9].The zoo suffered significant damage during the 1990s civil war, with the aquarium damaged by shelling and many animals perishing due to starvation or violence [3, 4]. Despite the challenges, a dedicated team of zookeepers risked their lives to keep the zoo open [4, 10]. The Taliban, who took control of Kabul in 1996, initially considered the zoo incompatible with their version of Islam but allowed it to remain open after persuasion by a zookeeper [3, 4].Today, Kabul Zoo houses over 600 animals from 100 different families [4, 18]. Visitors can observe lions, bears, wolves, macaques, various bird species, and other animals [4, 21]. The zoo also features a bronze statue of Marjan the Lion, a symbol of the zoo's and the country's suffering, who was born in Germany and donated to Kabul Zoo in 1976 [3, 4]. The zoo is a popular spot for families and individuals seeking recreation and a connection with nature [4, 18, 19].