Tripoli’s zoo animals victims of war

Tripoli zoo was once one of the Libyan capital’s best loved tourist destinations.

But today the 110 acre park has become another casualty of Libya’s civil war to oust Muammar Gaddafi.

Officials said on Thursday they are relying on the generosity of their food suppliers, whom they owe US$1.5 million, to feed the animals.

“We face so many problems. Our water and electricity supplies have been cut,” said Dr. Abdulfatah M. Husni, Director of Tripoli zoo.

“And most of our vaccines for the animals are out of date. The drugs were in the refrigerator.”

At least two of the zoo’s nearly 600 animals have died from living in a combat zone.

The park is located close to where heavy fighting took place before rebel forces gained control of the Libyan capital.

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