Photographs taken by Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) show several animals appearing lethargic and physically weakened, raising concerns about their welfare during the prolonged heat.

With extreme heat particularly challenging for animals kept in confined spaces, the conditions suggest that additional measures may be needed to help them cope with the high temperatures.

The animals cannot simply leave a hot enclosure, seek a cooler place or choose where they will stay. That makes ensuring their welfare an even greater responsibility.

Ducks appear to have found some relief by sheltering in the shade beneath a bridge. But for other animals, including tigers, deer and llamas, a bucket of water left in the sun can hardly be considered sufficient protection against extreme heat.

During a summer of exceptionally high temperatures, cooling, shade, adequate water and conditions adapted to the needs of each species should not be considered exceptional measures, but essential requirements.

People are not the only ones suffering through a summer far outside normal temperature ranges. Animals also need protection from the heat. Otherwise, a visit to the zoo risks becoming a distressing experience for children and adults who care about animal welfare.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared Friday a picture of a tiger waiting for its zoo pavilion to open.

The newly-upgraded park will feature an expanded space for the wild animals, as well as playgrounds for kids, infrastructure, areas for picnics and commercial areas.

The zoo is designed to be probably the most modern one in the Balkans and benefit from reconceptualised spaces and more space for animals.

The buildings constructed under the rehabilitation project include those used for veterinary, administrative, and education services. A new complex has also been built with restaurants and coffee shops. An underground car park for 100 cars is also a part of the project.

The reconstruction of the zoo is the first phase of a larger project that includes the development of and around the Botanical Gardens.

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The new project implemented by the Municipality of Tirana, which is in its final phase, offers spaces for services and facilities necessary for visitors of the Zoo, recreational facilities such as green spaces usable for picnics, as well as playgrounds for children, but  also educational facilities for students and pupils studying the animal world.

The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj inspected today the construction site of the Zoo, where work is going ahead at a fast pace.

“Starting from the parking lot, to the water areas, the space of monkeys and tame animals, to the so called Farmville, i.e. a part of the village, or even to the wildlife, quality work has been done. I can’t wait to get to the end, to take advantage of the approaching rainy season to help greenery, to turn the October-November into a big planting campaign and then close the year with one of the most beautiful gifts for the children of Tirana,” Mayor Veliaj said.

The project envisages the drying up of existing lakes and the creation of three new lakes. In the newly acquired lands will be added the spaces available for animals housing. //a.i/