The Asiatic lion news archive - 1999

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 1999.

DATELINE : June 3rd 1999
Parken Zoo Officially opens Asiatic lion exhibit:

It was a happy occasion on the sunny 3rd of June when Parken Zoo held the official opening of its Asiatic Lion exhibit and started its participation in the conservation programme for the species. Honorary guests on the day were His Excellency the ambassador of India, Mr Sushil Dubey, who in his speech welcomed Parken Zoo into the conservation programme and stressed the importance of saving this national symbol of India, and well-known wildlife photographer Mattias Klum, who talked about his current project: documentation of this unique species resulting in a book, film documentaries and photo exhibitions - a project planned to be finished by spring next year.

Parken Zoo's chief curator, Mr Stefan Jonsson, spoke of the importance of information and education regarding the Asiatic Lion. He stated that before the arrival of Sam & Sarla, no one in Sweden even knew there was lions in India. Today, at least the 90,000 living in Eskilstuna know!

Sam & Sarla, although the focus of all this attention, didn't take any interest in the event. When the guests visited them, only Sarla came up to say hello and paid Stefan Jonsson some special interest. "She hates me", he explained. "I think it's my glasses...".

From left to right: Mattias Klum: wildlife photographer, Sushil Dubey: ambassador of India, Stefan Jonsson: Chief Curator of Parken Zoo, Urban Wallin: Managing Director and Kristina Eriksson: Chair of the Board. Photo courtesy of Peter Illi.