The reopening of the former zoo Parque Don Federico, located in Montecarlo, was suspended after the Justice of Misiones issued a precautionary measure to preserve the animals that still remain on the premises.
The resolution was issued by a court in Puerto Rico, which ordered to stop any administrative or operational procedures related to the potential operation of the establishment until the substance of the case is resolved.
In this way, the specimens housed in the park will remain under judicial protection while the authorities analyze whether the planned conditions guarantee their well-being and comply with the current environmental regulations.
The Justice requested detailed information about the state of the premises
The measure is framed in an amparo action promoted with the objective of protecting the wildlife that remains in the former zoo.
As a consequence, neither the park owners, nor the Municipality of Montecarlo, nor the Ministry of Ecology of Misiones will be able to proceed with permits, authorizations, or tasks aimed at reopening the establishment.
Additionally, the court required the Ministry to urgently present documentation related to the reconversion project. Among the requested reports are the health status of the animals, management protocols, species inventory, welfare plans, the planned budget, and the intended destination for each specimen.
Animal transfers are also prohibited
While the precautionary measure remains in effect, no entries, exits, or transfers of animals from the establishment can be made.
The ruling seeks to avoid changes in the current situation until there are more elements to assess the impact that a potential reopening could have on the specimens housed on the premises.
Furthermore, the resolution bases these restrictions on the environmental precautionary principle, a legal tool that allows preventive measures to be taken when there is a possibility of damage to the environment or wildlife, even when there is no absolute certainty about its consequences.
Why the former zoo Parque Don Federico closed
The closure of the former zoo was due to the paradigm shift in conservation and animal welfare that has been consolidated in recent years in Argentina and in different countries.
Traditional zoos have been widely criticized due to the difficulties in ensuring adequate conditions for housing, environmental enrichment, and natural behavior of many species kept in captivity.
Additionally, numerous institutions have begun transformation processes towards rescue centers, rehabilitation, conservation, and environmental interpretation, prioritizing the rescue of wildlife and avoiding the permanent exhibition of animals for recreational purposes.
In this context, any reopening initiative requires demonstrating compliance with modern standards of animal welfare, responsible management, and biodiversity conservation.
A debate that transcends Misiones
The judicial decision was valued by the OHANA Foundation, an organization that promoted the presentation of the amparo and considers the ruling an important precedent for the protection of wildlife in Misiones.
Beyond the specific case, the resolution reopens the debate about the future of spaces that keep animals in captivity and about the need to promote models focused on ecosystem conservation and environmental education.
While the Justice analyzes the requested documentation, the former zoo will remain inactive, with the aim of ensuring that any future decision considers, first and foremost, the protection of wildlife and respect for the principles of environmental conservation.
