After 17 years of closure, the Tripoli Zoo has reopened, offering Libyans a rare moment of respite in a country marked by years of conflict.
Built in 1985, the site was closed in 2009 for renovation, shortly before the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Since then, the Libyan capital has been the scene of repeated violence, and the zoo has not been spared.
Abandoned during the fighting, the park suffered heavy losses: dozens of animals were killed or stolen, and the facilities were damaged. Of the 1,100 animals recorded before the war, only 700 survived.
Today, in a context of relative calm, families are gradually returning. Since its reopening, hundreds of visitors have flocked to the park, particularly for Eid, rediscovering lions, tigers and local species.
For many, the place represents much more than just an animal park. It is a space for relaxation, but also a symbol of hope after years of deprivation.
The authorities now aim to restore the zoo's appeal, with the arrival of new species and the modernization of infrastructure.
But significant challenges remain. Officials emphasize the need to preserve the civilian character of the site, excluding any armed presence to ensure a safe environment for visitors.
In a country still divided and unstable, the reopening of the Tripoli zoo appears as a timid sign of normalization… and a gradual return to daily life for the inhabitants.
