Two lions and other animals that China promised to donate to Afghanistan's Kabul Zoo will be directly sent from Beijing to Kabul by a chartered plane in mid-August.

The initial plan was to send them to Urumqi first and then to Kabul by air.

On July 10, an agreement was signed in China by the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Embassy of the Interim Administration of Afghanistan, according to which a group of animals with an estimated value of nearly 1 million yuan (US$120,500) would be sent to Afghanistan's Kabul Zoo as a symbol of friendship and for the pleasure of the local people.

Mostly in pairs, the group of animals, provided by Beijing Badaling Safari World, includes two lions, two bears, a wolf, two deer, two peacocks and other animals, and it is hoped they will breed and establish a stable base of wildlife for the war-ravaged nation's zoo.

Hearing the news on TV, China Air Express (CAE) decided to offer a chartered plane so that the animals can be sent directly to their destination, said Yang Zhen, manager of CAE's charter department.

The value of the service is more than US$100,000, he said.

"We think it would be bad for the animals' health and safety to have them change flights during the trip," Yang said.

He was echoed by Wang Wei, Safari World's deputy manager. "Such a direct flight can reduce the tension the animals will suffer on the trip."

According to Yang, CAE has arranged an IL-76 TD for the mission. "We hope the animals will bring some sunshine into life in Kabul," he added.

According to Wang, Safari World has already obtained all necessary exit permits for the animals.

At present, inspection and quarantine of the animals are under way, and a clinical examination will also be undertaken 24 hours before the flight, Wang said. All of the animals are in good condition, she added.

An animal keeper will also go with the animals to attend to them during the trip and work at Kabul Zoo for one month to help the animals adjust.

(China Daily July 25, 2002)