ZooParc Overloon has lost its important status as a zoo. The park has not implemented a number of improvement points for the welfare of the animals in time, reports the amusement park website Looopings. The zoo was given a year to improve the situation. According to the trade association, these are ‘serious problems’ that should have been addressed in the event of a relegation.
Due to the relegation, ZooParc is no longer a full member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). This is a partnership of more than four hundred zoos and aquariums around the world.
Such membership is important within the zoo world. ZooParc has now been granted a conditional membership for one year.
Red pandas and otters
After a visit from EAZA, the zoo was commissioned last year to make improvements in six areas regarding animal welfare. That didn’t quite work.
Two points were not addressed in time. For example, adjustments still need to be made to the fencing of the red pandas’ enclosure. The indoor habitat of the small-clawed otters must also be expanded.
“Unfortunately, it was not possible to resolve the last two points within the specified period,” said a spokeswoman for Libéma, the company behind ZooParc. against Looopings. According to her, the last two points of criticism will still be addressed this year. After that, the park would have to meet the guidelines again.
According to ZooParc, EAZA rules have been tightened this year and the zoo in Overloon was one of the first parks to be inspected. Parent company Libéma also holds sway at Safari Park Beekse Bergen and Eindhoven Zoo, among others. It is not known whether those zoos have also been checked. Libéma could not be reached for additional comment on Friday evening.
Serious problems
An EAZA spokesperson would like to zoo news site Zooflits do not comment on the situation at ZooParc. However, he emphasizes that a warning from the membership only occurs if ‘serious problems’ are not addressed.
According to Zooflits, such warnings mainly concern problems surrounding animal welfare and safety. Other concerns carry less weight during a re-inspection.