A Gift from Germany
Born in 1976 in West Germany, Marjan the lion was sent to Kabul Zoo in 1978 as a gift from Cologne Zoo. Alongside a lioness named Chucha, Marjan became a fixture of the zoo as Afghanistan experienced decades of upheaval, from the Soviet occupation to the Taliban regime.
A Soldier’s Tragic Mistake
In 1995, a soldier entered Marjan’s den to prove his bravery. While the lioness Chucha remained calm, Marjan fatally attacked the soldier. The next day, the soldier’s brother sought revenge by throwing a hand grenade into the enclosure. Marjan survived but was left blind, deaf, and severely injured.
Global Outcry and Aid
Marjan’s plight drew international attention, with animal welfare organizations sending funds, medical supplies, and veterinarians to aid the zoo. Despite multiple surgeries, his injuries left him unable to eat boned meat, and ramps were built to help him move around.
The End of an Era
Marjan passed away in January 2002 at the age of 23. His funeral was widely mourned, and his grave bears the inscription: “Here lies Marjan, who was about 23. He was the most famous lion in the world.”
Marjan, Kabul Zoo’s most famous lion, lived through decades of Afghan history, from the Soviet occupation to the Taliban. Gifted by Cologne Zoo in 1978, his life was marked by resilience and tragedy, culminating in an event that captured the world’s attention.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/6c0kf77EYm
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 22, 2025