Nightmare zoo that housed lonely ape and limping rhino ordered to close by authorities in Puerto Rico | The Sun
THE nightmare zoo which housed a lonely ape and limping rhino has been ordered to close by authorities.
Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo, in Puerto Rico, has officially shut its doors after years of suspected animal neglect.
The government demanded the closure on Tuesday.
They have also announced federal authorities will be investigating the treatment of animals at the park.
The zoo is currently home to around 300 different animals including a kangaroo which has no shelter.
Based in the costal town of Mayaguez, Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo has been closed since hurricanes battered the island in 2017.
READ MORE ON WORLD NEWS
At least 15 people feared dead and dozens left injured after 2 trains collide
Putin ‘secretly lives with gymnast lover & their kids in flash mansion’
The 45-acre facility has been described as "dilapidated" ever since.
However, animals remained in the confines, raising concerns over their welfare.
Governor Pedro Pierluisi said: “Animal welfare comes first.
"Questions have been raised for a long time.”
Most read in The Sun
Constance Marten and lover arrested over ‘manslaughter’
Woman found ‘murdered’ is missing mum who had not been seen since before Xmas
Huge building and DIY brand closes 19 branches and axes 400 jobs
Which B&M stores are closing down and are there sales on?
Experts were due to visit back in 2017 – but this didn't take place until Sunday, says The Wild Animal Sanctuary executive director Pat Craig.
He said: “The zoo definitely has been degraded.
"You can imagine the facilities were overgrown and dilapidated to some degree."
He also raised concerns over the zoo's lone chimpanzee as the species need socialisation.
The US Department of Agriculture cancelled the zoo's licence back in 2018 after multiple violations.
Officials have seen malnourished tigers and distressed cougars living in cramped spaces.
Source: Read Full Article