Overview
- Congressman Guido Bellido introduced a proposal to progressively close all zoos within 10 years and to ban the creation or habilitation of new public and private facilities.
- Parque de las Leyendas’ zoology deputy manager, Sara Cuestas, said the institution complies with welfare rules, holds Type A authorization from Serfor, is a member of the Latin American association of zoos and aquariums, and follows WAZA welfare standards.
- Cuestas stated that 100% of the park’s native animals were rescued by authorities and that many would not survive if released.
- The park emphasized its multidisciplinary teams of veterinarians, biologists, zootecnists and forest engineers who handle nutrition, rehabilitation and medical monitoring, highlighting risks of closures without a transition plan.
- The bill’s text cites funding from the Environment Ministry and regional and municipal budgets and directs the Education Ministry to add wildlife awareness programs to the national curriculum.