War is hell, and not just for the soldiers fighting and civilians caught in the crossfire. Conservationist Lawrence Anthony joins us today with a harrowing tale of rescuing the lions caged in Uday Hussein's personal zoo, as well as the tigers, monkeys, birds, and other animals starving in zoos around Baghdad. What do you want to know about the fuzziest and featheriest victims of the Iraq war?
1:43 PM ET | 03- 7-2007 | permalink
What percentage of the animals were saved. Thank everybody who think of others even animals more than themselves. Laura
HOW ARE THE ANIMALS NOW? IS THE ZOO SAFE AND BACK IN "GOOD" SHAPE?
KUDOS! Oh my goodness. Those left behind in the chaos of war... whether people or animals, no one should left do die a slow death of starvation and/or possibly from wounds. I've worked with domestic animals most of my life horses, dogs, cats... dealing with a domesticated animal can at times be quite dicey... I can only begin to imagine the patience and dedication it would take to do this work with war all around you. Bless you.
Please thank Mr Anthony...he has represented the best in humanity and my own heart wishes him the best in life ..paul
My salute to NPR for finally acknowledging the "other victims" of human warfare: the non-human animals. This has been a much-ignored topic as wars come and go, without so much as a mention of the wildlife, companion animals, and --- in this case --- the zoo animals that are killed, maimed, and/or displaced by the madness of homosapien conflicts. There should be a Memorial Day for those innocent victims.
As one who has made a lifelong commitment to animal protection, I also salute Lawrence Anthony for his selfless work to rescue the animals at the Bagdad Zoo. Had I been in the same situation, I would have done nothing less. In the face of humanity's sorry legacy, Mr. Anthony stands tall indeed.
Let us all remember the full cost of war, as human life is not the only unacceptable loss involved.
What has become of the Iraqis who worked so hard to save the animals & restore the zoo? Especially Dr Husham Hussan, who was taken away as part of the de-Baathification - & Dr. Adel?
I have the great privilege of working with Lawrence. I am the Executive Director of The Earth Organization, which Lawrence established on his return from Baghdad. They saved about 30 of the 700 animals in the zoo. They did however manage to save many other animals from very unsavory facilities in and around Baghdad. Lawrence also got the zoo staff to up date with their training at zoo's in England and they have made tremendous improvements to the zoo. They have created far more appropriate terrain for the animals. Lawrence has kept closely in touch with the staff there. We have more recently submitted a resolution to the UN to change the way enclosed animals are treated in war situations. Should this be adopted it will prevent this situation from happening again.
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