STATEMENT ON THE WELFARE OF THE ANIMALS AT KABUL ZOO
The Asia for Animals (AfA) Coalition is composed of 22 well-known and respected animal welfare organisations that have a shared focus on improving the welfare of animals in Asia. The Coalition is supported by a global network of hundreds of animal welfare organisations working together to tackle issues across Asia as one voice.
update: 26th August 2021
As a largest coalition of animal welfare organisations with particular expertise in Asia, we wish to support organisations working with Kabul Zoo in Afghanistan and to ensure that accurate information is available. Please refer to this webpage for updates as the situation develops https://www.asiaforanimals.com/kabul-zoo and direct any enquiries to afacoalition@gmail.com
We are liaising with the organisations who work on the ground with this facility.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION AT KABUL ZOO?
The zoo is still in operation, and the staff continue to care for the animals the best they can under the circumstances.
The zoo is currently not in any immediate danger.
They have supplies of food and water and are in the process of acquiring further supplies..
ARE THERE CONCERNS ABOUT THE ANIMALS?
Given that the situation in Afghanistan is unstable, there are concerns for the animals at Kabul Zoo. However, as of 25th August we can confirm that zoo staff are working as normal and the animals are safe.
WHO IS WORKING ON THIS ISSUE?
Both The Mayhew and One World Actors Animal Rescues (OWAP), and the Zoological Society of London are in touch with Kabul Zoo.
These organizations are not directly involved in the zoo’s activities, but are in direct contact with the zoo’s director. The Asia for Animal Coalition’s 22 core member organisations are here to support these organisations and are monitoring the situation.
STATEMENT from the Zoological Society of London
ZSL London Zoo, part of international conservation charity ZSL, is committed to providing support to Kabul Zoo. The two zoos have worked together over the years, with our teams sharing expert knowledge and experience. With the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan, ZSL London Zoo’s team remain in contact with Kabul Zoo at this time and will continue to provide support and advice whenever and wherever possible.
STATEMENT from THE MAYHEW
Mayhew is a UK registered animal welfare charity, working primarily with dogs and cats. Our work in Kabul with our branch, Mayhew Afghanistan, is delivery of a mass canine rabies vaccination programme and a TNR programme for the city’s free-roaming dog population. We do not have a shelter there.
The safety of our staff is a priority at this time, but we are hoping to resume our operations if and when circumstances allow and it is safe to do so. There will still be free-roaming dogs in Kabul and rabies will raise its ugly head again.
Mayhew’s relationship with Kabul Zoo started in 2002 when we were part of a group of NGOs that helped rebuild the zoo. Dr Mohammadzai DVM, our Afghanistan Country Director, has facilitated connections for Kabul Zoo with ZSL London and also provided training for vets and carried out more complex surgeries for them. We have a warm relationship with the Zoo Director.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Share news only from trustworthy sources.
Please support organisations working on the ground.
We are currently seeking advice on the best organisation to receive donations in support of Kabul Zoo. This will be updated as soon as we have more information.
ENQUIRIES
Please direct all enquiries to afacoalition@gmail.com to ensure that we can support the teams working on or in Afghanistan. The AfA coalition can act as a filter point to alleviate the pressure that these organisations are currently facing.
