Lithuanian environmental authorities have temporarily closed the Klaipėda Zoo following documented violations that pose risks to both animal welfare and visitor safety, the Environment Protection Department (AAD) announced Thursday.
“Environmental officials have decided to temporarily suspend public access to the Klaipėda Zoo due to violations that threaten animal welfare and visitor safety,” the agency said in a statement.
In March, two Amur tiger cubs were removed from the zoo after authorities found they were being kept in improper conditions, subjected to cruel treatment, and publicly displayed without proper certification.
Inspectors determined that the animals’ living conditions were inadequate, their diet failed to meet physiological and biological needs, and they lacked appropriate veterinary care.
At the time, officials noted the Klaipėda Zoo had been inspected more than 70 times over the past decade, primarily in response to concerns about animal births, deaths, complaints, and noncompliance with mandatory directives. Sanctions were imposed on six occasions.
According to the zoo, it houses more than 600 animals representing various species.
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