Klaipėda zoo banned from admitting visitors for several months

The Klaipėda Zoo will remain closed to visitors until at least July 22, Lithuania’s Environmental Protection Department (AAD) announced Friday, citing persistent violations of animal welfare and visitor safety regulations.

The ban, initially imposed last summer, follows repeated failures by zoo management to address documented breaches, including improper animal housing, lack of veterinary care, and inadequate feeding conditions, the department stated in a release reported by LRT.

“The decision to prohibit visitor access aims to ensure both animal welfare and public safety. Since the violations remain unresolved, we urge residents not to plan visits to the Klaipėda Zoo,” the AAD said.

The restrictions may be lifted earlier if the zoo rectifies all identified issues. The original suspension was triggered by an unannounced inspection on July 2, 2025, which revealed that the zoo had ignored prior warnings. Inspectors found animals kept without proper documentation, in conditions violating legal standards, and without essential care such as veterinary oversight, nutrition, and enrichment.

Animals removed, legal action underway

Following the 2025 inspection, authorities confiscated 30 wild mammals and birds from the zoo in coordination with specialists from Lithuania’s Health Sciences University. The zoo later challenged the visitor ban in court but was fined for non-compliance by the Klaipėda Regional Court—a ruling now under appeal.

In a separate case this March, two Japanese macaques were relocated from the zoo after evidence of cruel treatment emerged. Investigators found the primates lacked sufficient space, hiding structures, and minimum temperature requirements. The zoo’s legal representative now faces administrative proceedings, with potential fines ranging from €90 to €1,800 for wildlife regulation violations and €150 to €2,000 for animal cruelty.