The future of Limassol Zoo remains unresolved, with discussions expected to intensify following a decision by the Municipal Council to reject a proposal submitted by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education.
After a lengthy debate, the council voted down the proposal to transform the zoo into the “Fysi” Biodiversity and Urban Environment Centre of Limassol, with 14 votes against and 10 in favour.
Despite this outcome, the issue is far from settled. Most council members, in their interventions, expressed opposition to the zoo continuing in its current form. However, their final vote was shaped by the specific proposal presented, rather than a rejection of change in principle.
Various positions were voiced, ranging from a gradual transformation to calls for a comprehensive approach combining relocation of animals and eventual closure.
Following the vote, there were discussions about revising the proposal and holding a second vote. In the end, it was agreed that the matter would be revisited at a future meeting in the near term.
The DISY municipal group, which voted against the proposal, committed to returning with a revised plan broadly aligned with the philosophy of the original proposal but further developed and expanded.
Among those supporting the proposal were Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, as well as the municipal groups of AKEL, DIKO, EDEK, the Hunters’ Movement and part of the DIKO group. Opposing it were the deputy mayor of Mesa Geitonia, the DISY group, the Greens, ELAM and other members of DIKO.
The council, which has 31 members including the mayor, saw 24 councillors participate in the vote, with several absences recorded for various reasons.
