Baghdad's Zoo Opens Its Doors

[undergroundrailroad]

Baghdad's Zoo Opens Its Doors

By NIKO PRICE
The Associated Press
Sunday, July 20, 2003; 11:10 PM


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Baghdad's zoo opened its doors to the public Sunday, but in this lawless, occupied city, it appeared to be a bit early for a pleasant day in the park.

Only a few dozen people, most of them young men, wandered into the newly renovated park to see the lions, jaguars and monkeys wilting in 122-degree heat.

Coalition radio had issued a call for Baghdad residents to visit the zoo on opening day, saying the three-cent entrance fee would be waived.

<snip>

Some wild animals roamed the park freely, including a bear that mauled and partially ate three civilians, and three lions that were shot to death when they tried to pounce on a contingent of invading American soldiers.

[Elidor]

1. Surreal