Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tigers, bears and monkeys abandoned in Spanish zoo that closed two months ago

More than 1,600 people sign petition condemning treatment of animals

Zamira Rahim
Friday 29 March 2019 12:35 EDT
Comments
Abandoned animals found in Spanish zoo

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Abandoned animals have been found in a zoo in southern Spain months after it was closed, campaigners have claimed.

Two bears, a tiger, four baboons, fallow deer and a series of other animals were reportedly found at the Prudencio Navarro Zoo in the town of Ayamonte.

The zoo has been closed to the public for two months.

Campaigners from Proyecto Gran Simio (Great Ape Project) an animal rights charity, released videos of the empty zoo and condemned the conditions the animals were living in.

The videos and pictures appear to show the animals in enclosures with dirty windows and stagnant water.

“The authorities are responsible for these situations that are occurring in many zoos and private centres, which are being closed or abandoned and where animals are left half abandoned,” Pedro Pozas Terrados​, the charity’s executive director, said in a statement

The charity urged the city council to act “before some of the animals die or there is a serious accident or escape due to lack of security.”

The zoo has been closed to the public for two months.
The zoo has been closed to the public for two months. (YouTube/Huelvahoy.com)

Staff at the organisation have also filed a police report with Seprona, the police department responsible for nature protection over “possible mistreatment” of the animals.

The department has opened an investigation into the case, according to Huelvahoy.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

A petition denouncing the situation has gathered more than 1,600 signatures.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in