Authorities seek to revoke Klaipeda Zoo permit

LRT reported that Lithuania’s Environmental Protection Department has asked the Environmental Protection Agency to revoke Klaipeda Zoo’s permit after the facility failed to remedy identified violations within a year.

The department said it completed an inspection on Monday and delivered the inspection report to those responsible. The report found that, during the one-year period when visitors were barred from the zoo, the facility had neither corrected the violations nor taken the required measures.

“Proper conditions for keeping and displaying animals, veterinary supervision and biological safety requirements were not ensured. Feeding and watering appropriate to the animals’ species needs, nutritional requirements, animal welfare and visitor safety were also not ensured,” the department said.

On Wednesday, the department sent the Environmental Protection Agency the documents and information needed to decide whether to revoke the zoo’s permit and close the zoo.

Those responsible could face administrative liability over the violations.

The department said the permit decision falls within the authorities’ competence. Regardless of that decision, the zoo operator must continue to properly care for the animals by ensuring suitable keeping conditions, feeding, watering and veterinary supervision. The responsible institutions will monitor compliance throughout the transition period.