Update on Lion at Tehran Zoo

Amsterdam 3 Feb 2021: Further to our statement yesterday about the status of the male Asiatic lion at Tehran zoo, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) has contacted Tehran zoo to ask for an update on the condition of the animal. As things stand, we do not have confirmation of the animal’s state of health. We take seriously the health of all animals in the care of zoos and aquariums that form part of our network, even if those institutions are not Full Members. An EAZA inspection of Tehran Zoo showed that there were qualified veterinarians on staff, and there was no reason to doubt their ability to provide good medical care to the animals.

While EAZA understands the emotion that accompanied the return of this subspecies to the Islamic Republic of Iran, we also urge members of the public to view this issue with perspective: that is to say, all animals become sick from time to time, and some will die prematurely despite the care of qualified veterinary professionals. Provided all appropriate care measures are taken either to cure the illness or to provide palliative care for a terminally sick animal, no blame should attach to the veterinarians working to treat the animals. We would ask members of the public to respect this and to let the veterinarians at Tehran Zoo do the job of examining and if necessary treating the animal.

Veterinarians working with EAZA can provide consultative assistance with diagnosis and best practice for treatment. However, neither EAZA nor our Member Bristol Zoo Gardens, the point of origin of the lion, is in a position to be able to provide direct treatment to the animal.

Further updates will be published when more information becomes available.