Peru could become the next Latin American country to eliminate its public zoos.
A bill presented in the Peruvian Congress proposes closing all these spaces within a maximum period of ten years.
If the law is approved, the animals currently in zoos would be transferred to specialized rescue centers.
The initiative was submitted on October 21 by Congressman Guido Bellido, and is supported by another six legislators.
The project is already in the Agrarian Commission of the Peruvian Congress, where its viability will be evaluated.
In particular, the proposal establishes an orderly transition towards a new model of environmental conservation.
From its entry into force, the authorization, construction, or enabling of new zoos throughout the country, both public and private, would be prohibited.
According to the text of the law, the goal is to halt the expansion of the wildlife captivity model and replace it with educational and more sustainable conservation alternatives.
What will happen to the animals if zoos are closed in Peru
If the law is approved, all animals currently in zoos would be transferred to Wildlife Rescue Centers.
The proposal includes rehabilitating them and, when feasible, reintroducing them to their natural habitat.
If reintegration is not possible, the animals would be moved to specialized conservation centers.
The transfer would not imply new expenses for the Peruvian Public Treasury, as funding would come from the budgets of the Ministry of Environment and regional and local governments.
The cases that motivated the proposal to close zoos in Peru
The project cites specific examples of deficiencies in Peruvian zoos.
In 2019, the Peruvian supervisory body OSINFOR sanctioned the Municipal Zoo of Huancayo for the disappearance of more than 80 animals.
A subsequent report pointed out “lack of medicines due to poor budget planning“, according to the legislative document.
Another case mentioned is “La Granja del Tío Telto” in Cusco.
There, three capybaras were found without exhibition authorization and inadequate environmental conditions for the species.
Education and regional background: other details of the proposal
The initiative would also order the Ministry of Education to incorporate programs of respect for wildlife into the school curriculum.
It also seeks to promote learning methods without the need for direct contact with animals in captivity.
The goal is to sensitize students about alternatives regarding animal welfare and respect for biodiversity.
As a basis, the bill mentions similar reforms applied in Costa Rica, Chile, and Argentina.
In 2024, Costa Rica closed its last public zoos and converted those spaces into conservation centers and environmental education facilities.
The statement of reasons argues that current zoos face multiple structural deficiencies.
Among these are the lack of adequate infrastructure, scarce technical resources, and captivity conditions that affect the physical and psychological well-being of the animals.
Additionally, the document states that “the educational function and conservation role of zoos is limited” and that the exhibition model has lost social legitimacy.
If Congress approves the proposal, Peru would join a regional trend that seeks to rethink the relationship between humans and wild animals, prioritizing their welfare and conservation in environments closer to their natural habitats.
