Aid for Marjan the lion's zoo

The campaign to save the one-eyed lion of Kabul gathered momentum today.

In Parliament Tony Banks's motion calling on the Government to protect Marjan and other animals caught up in the Afghan conflict won cross-party support as seven more MPs signed it.

The London-based World Society for the Protection of Animals and the Born Free Foundation have decided to launch an appeal for the stricken zoo. Born Free's Shirley Galligan said: "We believe the Ministry of Defence could send in an army vet. We need to know whether or not the lion is in a fit state to be moved to another zoo where he could get proper care or treatment."

The Secretary of Britain's Kennel Club, Caroline Kisko, welcomed the way the Evening Standard has highlighted the animals' suffering and said: "I think we should persuade the BBC to film Animal Hospital or Vets In Practice in Kabul."