Baghdad Zoo Expert Goes to Kabul

After 15 months in the war-ravaged Baghdad Zoo, Earth Org staff, Brendan Whittington-Jones, has now completed a 2 1/2 month assessment of Afghanistan's only municipal Zoo on behalf of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

(PRWEB) June 26, 2005 -- Fresh from a 15-month stint rehabilitating the war ravaged Baghdad Zoo, Earth Organization Wildlife Consultant, Brendan Whittington-Jones, has now completed an additional two and a half months in Afghanistan. Whittington-Jones has been on loan from The Earth Organization to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) to do an AZA-funded assessment of the Kabul Zoo.

The analysis, commissioned by the AZA as the next phase in their overall project to revive Afghanistans only municipal zoo, has focused on what actions and funds will be necessary to bring the zoo up to internationally accepted standards. With over 500 animals at its zenith, the once thriving zoo was decimated by two wars and years of Taliban abuse and neglect.

Brendans experience in Baghdad has served him well in Kabul," said Earth Organization founder Lawrence Anthony, who was assisted by Brendan in the now famous rescue of the Baghdad Zoo during the Coalition invasion of Iraq. Whittington-Jones, a native of Cape Town, South Africa, was originally hired as Head Ranger by Anthony for Thula Thula Exclusive Game Reserve in Kwazulu-Natal. At the onset of the Iraqi War, Anthony realized that the Baghdad Zoo animals were in serious danger and immediately flew to the war-torn city to rescue the beleaguered animals. Whittington-Jones soon followed, taking over as Director of Zoo Operations for the coalition forces five months later when Anthony returned to South Africa.

Although The Earth Organization is opposed to the conditions under which most animals are kept in zoos," said Whittington-Jones, allowing these animals to live in sub-standard conditions is not an option. We are dedicated to backing up the AZA in their efforts to remedy this."

Upon completion of the first phase of the review, the most pressing problems were addressed: clogged pumps, a dirty water supply, unhygienic animal facilities and a staff lacking in some of the most basic knowledge of animal welfare and husbandry.

Considering the equipment and area the zookeepers here have to work with," quipped Whittington-Jones, even simple things like rabies vaccinations and de-worming become Gladiator episodes that put Russell Crowes performance to shame."

A comprehensive assessment report covering what has currently been achieved, as well as necessary physical improvements, veterinary concerns, and future general management issues will be submitted to the AZA. Additional copies will be sent to The Zoological Society of London, Mayhew Animal Home in London, and the South Asian Zoo Association, all of whom have contributed considerable funds and effort to restoring and raising the standards of the Kabul Zoo.

Included in the report are suggestions for the development of educational facilities to increase public awareness of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

For additional information on Earth Organization animal rescue initiatives and environmental projects, visit www.earthorganization.org.

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