Petition demands permanent closure of Klaipėda Zoo: ‘This cannot continue’

The campaign to permanently close Klaipėda Zoo gained momentum after specialists removed four animals described as being in critical condition. Animal welfare activists say leaving the remaining animals at the facility is not enough.

On Aug. 19, Lithuania’s Environmental Protection Department asked the Environmental Protection Agency to revoke the zoo’s permit after inspectors found that previously identified violations had not been corrected during the year available to the facility. The petition says the problems involved animal housing and display conditions, veterinary care, biosecurity, feeding, watering, animal welfare and visitor safety.

The petition describes the violations as long-term, recurring and systemic. Its authors are calling for the permit to be revoked, an independent assessment of every animal, and the transfer of animals that cannot receive proper care to approved facilities in Lithuania or abroad. They also want authorities to investigate the circumstances of animal deaths and possible welfare violations, then publicly explain the decision and what will happen to the animals.

In cooperation with the department, specialists from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences’ Wildlife Care Centre removed four animals on Aug. 26. The centre’s head, Justina Morkūnaitė, said all four needed veterinary assistance. She said the lion, grey kangaroo and bar-headed goose showed signs of pain, while the lion was particularly emaciated and needed immediate complex treatment. The petition argues that repeated violations mean further warnings and deadlines are no longer sufficient.

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All the animals taken need veterinary assistance, but the condition of the lion, grey kangaroo and bar-headed goose required exceptionally urgent help. These animals showed signs of pain.