Tehran’s Eram Park Zoo, the primary centre for wildlife in the Iranian capital has a new member in the form of a Persian lion.
The Asiatic or Persian lion was hunted to extinction almost 80 years ago and became extinct in the country due to hunting and loss of habitat.
Under a new deal between the Tehran-based zoo and Bristol Zoo in the United Kingdom, the Persian lion is finally home, and available to view.
Born in Britain six years ago on Christmas day, the male lion called Kamran, a son of Kamal, arrived in Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) on May 1 and was sent to the Tehran Zoo.
Founded in 1992, this classic zoo features tigers, leopards, bears, monkeys, apes, birds & snakes. Special attention has been made by the zoologists and vets to look after several animals in their care.
Tehran Zoological Garden has put in efforts to bring back Asiatic lion to Iran for six years, he said, adding that, “we submitted our request to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).”
Opening hours may be restricted during the Holy Month of Ramadan which is expected to begin on Tuesday, according to the Iranian government.