View of the lake at the Belvédère Zoo in Tunis, where the elephant Baby died earlier this year, sparking outrage over the living conditions of the animals. (Credit: Archive photo Fethi Belaid/AFP)
The Belvédère Zoo in Tunis is now nicknamed the “animal mortuary,” especially after the death in January 2026 of Baby, a 37-year-old elephant who arrived in 2023.For years, internet users have denounced the condition of the historic zoo and the neglect of its animals, sharing disturbing images online. A petition calling for an investigation into Baby’s death gathered 5,000 signatures, but the Tunis municipality denied any neglect or lack of care.Growing awarenessBut public outrage has continued in recent months. Last February, a video showing teenagers committing an act of cruelty against a dog in Moknine, in the Tunisian Sahel, sparked a wave of anger on social media. The youths were arrested and an investigation was opened. In August 2025, a woman was arrested after a video circulated online showing her burning kittens alive. She was...
The Belvédère Zoo in Tunis is now nicknamed the “animal mortuary,” especially after the death in January 2026 of Baby, a 37-year-old elephant who arrived in 2023.For years, internet users have denounced the condition of the historic zoo and the neglect of its animals, sharing disturbing images online. A petition calling for an investigation into Baby’s death gathered 5,000 signatures, but the Tunis municipality denied any neglect or lack of care.Growing awarenessBut public outrage has continued in recent months. Last February, a video showing teenagers committing an act of cruelty against a dog in Moknine, in the Tunisian Sahel, sparked a wave of anger on social media. The youths were arrested and an investigation was opened. In August 2025, a woman was arrested after a video circulated online showing her burning kittens alive....
