Tripoli zoo reopens to offer Libyans rare respite from years of violence

Visitors toured the Tripoli zoo after it was reopened last month. Built in 1985, the zoo was closed in 2009 for renovations under the administration of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, less than two years before a NATO-backed uprising would oust.

The North African country has since been gripped by violence and bouts of fighting. "Since the zoo reopened, they have already brought in several new animal species. They are planning to bring in other animals to add more value and further improve the zoo," said an official.