Welcome to Marjan's Rainbow Residency

Memories of Marjan

It may seem strange to many of you for there to be a Rainbow Residency for this venerable male lion, Marjan, who lived his many years in the Kabul Zoo in Afghanistan. In the 1990s a grenade was thrown at Marjan, leaving him blind. And he suffered much during the bombing raids of the U.S. Forces. However, thanks to organizations like the San Diego Zoo and other animal organizations, medicine and money was provided, not only for Marjan, but for the 19 other animals who are still there. Marjan has become the symbol for us that we, as people, must learn that our actions affect all created beings, not just people, but the animals with whom we share Mother Earth. One newscaster said as he spoke of the death of Marjan that "if you live in Afghanistan and die of old age, you've done better than most." And Marjan did just that! He went to sleep on the night of January 25, 2002, and quietly crossed Rainbows Bridge and is now with his beloved mate, Quanni. So we say, bless you both, rest easy, you are finally free. This is from a press release dated January 27, 2002. Marjan the lion is to be buried Monday at the Kabul Zoo, where he suffered the torments of war and won countless hearts worldwide. He was found dead in his cage Saturday morning, a few weeks after his story attracted international attention. With one eye lost to a grenade attack, lame and weakened by war's deprivations, Marjan became a powerful symbol of Afghanistan's sufferings and his dignified bearing seemed to speak of the country's determination to rise above misery and fear. An aid effort led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals raised funds for Marjan and the other animals in the zoo, which fell into dismal neglect during 23 years of war. Despite the WSPA's efforts to improve his diet and ease his life with heat in his cage and a padded sleeping area, Marjan had only a few weeks to enjoy in his sudden reversal of fortune. In his last days, he had to be carried from his sleeping area to a spot where he could lie in the sun. Eventually his kidneys and liver apparently gave out, said the WSPA's John Marsh. Marsh said he found Marjan such an evocative symbol that he wants to see a statue built in his memory. 12/29/07 - And the statue stands at the entrance to the zoo in Kabal....a fitting tribute to a majestic cat. And now he is proudly showing Tatiana from the San Francisco Zoo the wonderful life that is across the Bridge and over the Rainbow. Run free, Marjan and Tatiana, and know that there are people on this earth who revere and love you. 12/30/07 - Another beautiful little girl, Bengal tiger, has joined you and Tatiana at the Bridge. She is only a year old, so we are asking that you help Tatiana with her teaching. Her name is Charu which in Indian (India) means Beautiful. She, too, crossed the Bridge at the hands of cruel people. Watch over her and keep her safe even though you are a lion and she is a tiger....she needs your love. Thank you, Marjan, for being who you are and for showing Tatiana and Charu what true forgiveness is. Please forgive us, beautiful big cats. Please also visit WhiteKitty, B.G., Jimmy, Chucky, GW, Owlie and KITTEN ANGELS.

This site was inspired by and is dedicated to FiFi

Visit the Human side of Rainbows Bridge - BelovedHearts.com