THESE distressing images show the heart-breaking conditions animals at an Albanian safari park have been left in.

Authorities in the country are being urged to act after new photos appeared to expose the depressing reality of a zoo labelled the “safari park from hell”.

11 An Albanian zoo has been slammed by animal rights protesters after creatures were photographed in filthy conditions Credit: Caters News Agency

Pictures taken at the allegedly illegal Safari Park Zoo in Fier, Albania, show a “severely malnourished” lion living in cramped conditions and apparently suffering from an eye injury.

The shocking images have come to light after a photographer exposed conditions there.

The photographer, who The Sun is not naming, said: "All the animals are kept in tiny, unhygienic concrete cages with no possibility to retreat from the elements or from the prying eyes of visitors to the zoo.

"The animals suffer from a range of physical and psychological issues caused by the miserable conditions, improper veterinary care and lack of an appropriate diet.

11 A wolf is seen in a tiny cage surrounded by filth at the 'safari park from hell' in Fier, Albania Credit: Caters News Agency

11 A zebra is seen surrounded by desolation and filth at the zoo that Albanian authorities are now being urged to investigate Credit: Caters News Agency

"I’ve been documenting human/animal conflict globally for nearly a decade.

"My current focus is on wildlife tourism.

"It's thought that over half a million animals are suffering for the industry, however not enough is known about the abuses that are going on - in front of our eyes and behind closed doors.

"The camera is a potent weapon for getting these issues into the public domain."

11 A stag remains trapped in a cage without access to fresh water Credit: Caters News Agency

11 This image shows how tiny the cage a wolf is being kept in at the hellish attraction Credit: Caters News Agency

11 The lion can be seen to be 'severely malnourished' as it lies in its filthy enclosure Credit: Caters News Agency

The snapper said there are several different animals at the privately-owned Safari Park Zoo, which is attached to a bar and restaurant, including three adult lions thought to have been there since they were cubs.

His images show what appear to be 'suffering' lions languishing in desolate, dirty concrete cages surrounded by their own waste and without even the most basic provisions such as fresh water and shade.

The photographer claimed vets who have visited the macabre facility described what they were greeted with as "some of the worst animal welfare conditions they have ever seen".

11 Vets who visited the facility described what they found as 'some of the worst animal welfare conditions they have ever seen' Credit: Caters News Agency

11 The lion appears to be suffering from an eye infection which has gone untreated at the depressing zoo Credit: Caters News Agency

11 Animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is working with the Albanian government to help curb instances like this occurring Credit: Caters News Agency

It is understood they were among around 14 lion cubs born at the zoo. The rest are thought to have died, been sold or simply been given away to friends of the owner.

Other animals include a zebra, several deer, monkeys, a bear and a malnourished wolf can be seen suffering quietly in tiny cages.

Animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has been active in Albania in recent years, primarily working alongside the Albanian Ministry of Environment and other NGOs in the area.

11 A dog can be seen trapped in a cage at the zoo in conditions known to cause animals psychological distress Credit: Caters News Agency

11 All the animals are reported to be suffering from severely bad diets Credit: Caters News Agency

When asked about the latest photos of conditions at the zoo, Ioana Dungler, who heads up the charity’s Wild Animals Department, confirmed FOUR PAWS was aware of the situation and would be keen to work with the Albanian authorities to intervene before it’s too late.

Ioana said: “The situation at the Safari Park Zoo in Fier is clearly absolutely unacceptable for the animals remaining there.

"The conditions do not even come close to being appropriate, particularly for large wild animals like lions and bears which have very specific environmental and dietary needs.

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"Signs of the mental and physical impact of being kept in such abject surroundings can be clearly seen on each of the poor animals at the zoo.

"FOUR PAWS has rescued animals from many similar zoos in the past and animals from all over the world that once seemed just as hopeless now thrive in our sanctuaries.

"We hope that with the support of the Albanian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, we can one day achieve the same for the poor animals in Fier."