Exclusive: Carrie Symonds' charity launches bid to rescue sick Bristol Zoo lion languishing in Tehran
Carrie Symonds' charity has launched a bid to save a sick lion born at Bristol Zoo which is now languishing, unwell, in Tehran.
Kamran the Asiatic lion was born to much acclaim in 2013, as there are only 300 of his species left in the wild.
However, his future is now uncertain as he has been seen lying underweight and listless by worried visitors, and vets have confirmed he has Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, which can lead to death.
Conservationists spoke out against the lion's transfer to Tehran in 2019 pointing out that at least 14 big cats have died there since 2011 after falling unwell.
The Aspinall Foundation, for which Ms Symonds runs communications, urged the zoo regulator, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, to help move the lion from its current conditions and give it appropriate veterinary care.
Damian Aspinall, the CEO of the foundation, said: “It is completely heartbreaking to hear of the conditions these big cats are being forced to endure. It is vital that these lions get the medical treatment they urgently need and are moved from these enclosures. The Aspinall Foundation stands ready to help in whatever way we can.”
The charity has often rescued animals from zoos, and aims to ultimately release all of the animals in its care into the wild.
Will Travers, CEO of the Born Free Foundation condemned the EAZA, adding: “The litany of deaths, sickness, mis-management and more at the Tehran Zoo is an indictment of both the zoo and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) which made Tehran Zoo an Honorary Associate Member in 2015. How can the public have any confidence in EAZA when it has such poor judgement, does not accept its wider responsibilities and does not hold is members and partners to account. Tehran Zoo should not receive new animals from anyone anymore."
A spokesperson for Bristol Zoo has said the organisation is "concerned" about the condition of Kamran.
They said: "We are concerned and saddened to hear that Kamran (now known as Herman) is currently unwell. Kamran left Bristol Zoo Gardens in April 2019 to join a lioness at Tehran Zoological Gardens.
"Animal transfers between zoos are recommended by EAZA. These transfers are not for commercial trade, or for profit – animals are never bought and sold. In this instance, Kamran’s move was recommended by EAZA’s European Endangered species Programme (EEP) for Asiatic lions."
A spokesperson for EAZA has insisted that there is no evidence of maltreatment, adding that Tehran Zoo meets their standards.
They said: "Members of the public should be aware that the illness of an animal is not evidence of its maltreatment, and indeed, EAZA has seen no reputable evidence of maltreatment or negligence regarding the care of this animal. At this time of global human pandemic, we are all aware that the spread of commonly carried illness is difficult to prevent.
"EAZA believes strongly that all such cases involving animals in zoo or aquarium care should be judged only when the relevant facts are clear; with the facts of the case now available, we are confident that it is being handled correctly. EAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to the protection of species of all kinds, a mission driven by strong personal commitment, science -based evidence, and the highest levels of professional integrity. We encourage all zoological institutions to aspire to our Standards and will continue to provide supervision and assistance to Tehran Zoo over the long term under the Candidate for Membership programme."
