IBAMA closes zoo in Rio and fines City Hall

The Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) prevented visitors' access to Rio de Janeiro zoo on Thursday (Jan. 14). According to IBAMA, the Rio-Zoo Foundation, managing the place, has been notified since 2012 of the need for adapting its facilities.

The main problems found in the zoo are the large number of animals in some facilities, the need for structural works and the captive environment that should resemble the animals' natural habitat to allow them to keep their behavior.

In addition to closing the zoo to visitors, IBAMA imposed a daily fine of $248.60 on the Municipal Secretariat for the Environment until the park is appropriate for the animals.

According to Vinícius Modesto de Oliveira, head of IBAMA's Audit Center in Rio de Janeiro, the zoo's current situation led it to fail to fulfill its role of environmental educator. "To visit the park is no longer a positive experience for children or the population in general," reported Oliveira in a statement sent by IBAMA. Despite closing to visitors, the Rio-Zoo Foundation must continue taking care of the animals.

The Municipal Secretariat for the Environment filed an appeal to suspend the ban on visits. According to Rio de Janeiro City Hall, the bidding for the adjustment works of the zoo was suspended because the bidding for the park's concession to the private sector will be published next week.

The winning company will have to invest $15 million within two years but, according to City Hall officials, the emergency works will be done "in a short time." With the renovation, the park will have new shops, restaurants, and thematic areas, replacing the exclusive areas of confinement.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta