UPDATE: Kabul Zoo
04/04/2004
Donatella, the female black bear at Kabul Zoo, was put to sleep on
March 19th 2004, following an extensive examination by Dr John Lewis
from the International Zoo Veterinary Group. The decision was taken in
discussion with the Zoo Director and the Director of Culture for the
Municipality of Kabul. The examination of Donatella was undertaken with
the Veterinary Officer and Curator of Kabul Zoo.
Donatella had been under treatment for long periods during the two
years after her condition was first identified. There has been various
speculation over the initial cause of the infection to her nose and the
associated spread and deterioration from there. No treatment proved to
be effective and over the years a general deterioration has been seen.
During the last examination under anaesthesia it appears that the
infection had spread to the central nervous system and as a result her
quality of life would deteriorate further. The initial post-mortem
examination proved that the decision to euthanase Donatella was
correct. Samples have been taken to try and identify the root cause of
her problem for future reference.
Donatella attracted considerable interest by many visitors to the zoo
including some of the world's press. She received good treatment over
long periods from military vets and we are grateful for their support
in her condition. She was a particular favourite of the staff at the
zoo. She shared her enclosure with four young black bears and two young
brown bears, all from Afghanistan, who now pick up the mantle as
ambassadors for these magnificent animals.
Nick Lindsay
International Zoo Programmes, ZSL
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