After repeated delays, reversals and differing views, the time has finally come for a definitive decision on the future of Limassol Zoo. The issue will be discussed at the Limassol Municipal Council on Thursday and debate has once again intensified over what the best course of action should be.
On the table will be the recommendation by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education (CYCERE) of the Limassol Metropolis, proposing the transformation of the site into the “Nature” Biodiversity and Urban Environment Centre of Limassol. At the same time, however, it is not ruled out that this proposal may be modified in part or that the zoo may first be closed, with decisions on the use of the site taken at a later stage, based on various ideas that will need to be further specified.
It remains completely unclear how the municipal groups will position themselves, as different views have been expressed over time. The Mayor of Limassol, Yiannis Armeftis, as well as Deputy Mayor Dimos Katsis, have clearly expressed support for closing the zoo. At the same time, opposition to the closure has intensified, with some arguing that the zoo forms part of Limassol’s history. However, even these views differ, with some favouring the upgrading and maintenance of the existing operation, while others support keeping some animals and moving towards a mild transformation. Former mayor Andreas Christou appears to support maintaining the zoo, while former mayor Nikos Nicolaides has publicly supported a milder transformation with some animals remaining, particularly local fauna. According to Politis, Christou has sent a letter to the Municipal Council.
Consultations and studies point to closure
On the issue, the previous Municipal Council had assigned CYCERE to conduct a study and public consultation. The Centre’s initial proposal was to convert the space into an urban-type farm. The updated study moved away from that initial idea, incorporating new elements and instead proposing an environmental centre with multiple uses.
Following the presentation of the updated proposal, a new online survey was conducted and the proposal was also presented publicly at an open event. Notably, once again, an overwhelming majority supported the termination of the current operation of the zoo, with a percentage exceeding 81 per cent. A further 7 per cent neither agreed nor disagreed, while only 12 per cent expressed the opposite view, namely the continuation of the zoo.
A total of 503 people participated in the online survey. According to CYCERE, one vote per person was counted and participants were permanent residents of Cyprus, in the overwhelming majority residents of Limassol. The survey also contains other notable findings pointing in a clear direction. The results of the new survey are expected to be presented to the Municipal Council on Thursday. It is noted that a previous study, also conducted by CYCERE, had again shown a majority in favour of closing the zoo, with even greater participation.
CYCERE’s position
As recorded in previous Politis reports, CYCERE, which has undertaken the preparation of the proposal as scientific advisor, supports and recommends the transformation of the site into a model environmental centre.
It is particularly noteworthy that CYCERE itself has moved away from its original proposal, which envisaged an urban-type farm, and has shifted towards a milder approach, taking into account the results of the public consultation.
In summary, the proposal concerns the radical transformation of the former Limassol Zoo into a modern, experiential and open “living laboratory” for biodiversity and the urban environment, with a strong educational, research and social character.
According to the study, the “Nature” Centre aims to become a meeting point for children, families, schools, researchers, professionals and citizens of all ages, a space where environmental awareness will be cultivated, social cohesion strengthened and active participation of citizens in caring for the urban environment will be promoted.
At the same time, it is integrated into the broader strategic planning of the Municipality of Limassol for green transition, climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
Through modern educational approaches, digital and interactive applications, international networking and cooperation with the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education, the “Nature” Centre aims to become a model at both national and European level. It is an innovative proposal that concerns not simply the transformation of a space, but the shaping of a new relationship between the city, nature and its people. It creates new prospects and opportunities. It is an investment in the environment, in education and awareness, and in the future of the next generations.
