It appears to be only a matter of time before the Limassol Municipal Council takes a final decision on the permanent closure of the city’s zoo, located within the Limassol Municipal Garden. After various proposals, ideas and discussions over the years, the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education of the Limassol Metropolis presented a new, updated proposal at a recent municipal council meeting for the transformation of the site into the Limassol Biodiversity and Urban Environment Centre “Fysi” (Nature). It is recalled that the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education had been assigned by the previous council to conduct the study on the future of the zoo, while a public consultation on citizens’ proposals was also carried out.
Although there have been many discussions in recent years about what should be done, no concrete decisions were ever reached, as previous municipal councils of Limassol were not convinced by the ideas or proposals presented to them. The initial proposal by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education was to convert the site into an urban-type farm. The new, updated study differs from that earlier proposal, incorporating new elements that lead to a final solution for an environmental awareness park featuring elements of Cypriot flora and fauna, while remaining integrated into the wider environment of the Limassol Municipal Garden. The proposal also includes other municipal interventions, such as the creation of green routes connected to the Municipal Garden.
The proposal was presented to municipal councillors, who had the opportunity to raise various questions with the study authors and receive answers to the extent possible at this initial stage. From here on, a new public consultation on the proposal will follow, also to be conducted by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education. The consultation will take place online via the centre’s website and aims to record the views of citizens and institutional representatives regarding the proposed future and new role of the site, as stated on the environmental centre’s website.
Following the completion of the new consultation process, the results will be presented to the municipal council, after which final decisions will be taken. According to information from “Politis”, it is not excluded that a final decision could be taken even before Easter.
Environmental Centre 'Fysi'
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.
As stated in the study, the “Fisi” {Nature} Centre aspires to become a meeting point for children, families, schools, researchers, professionals and citizens of all ages. It will be a space where environmental awareness is cultivated, social cohesion is strengthened and active citizen participation in caring for the urban environment is promoted. At the same time, it is strategically integrated into the broader planning of the Municipality of Limassol for green transition, climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
Through modern pedagogical approaches, digital and interactive applications, international networking and cooperation with the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education, the “Fisi” Centre aims to become a model at both national and European level. It is an innovative proposal that does not merely concern the transformation of a space, but the shaping of a new relationship between the city, nature and its people, offering new perspectives and opportunities. It is an investment in the environment, education and awareness, and the future of coming generations.
The key points of the study are summarised as follows:
Termination of zoo operations
The proposal foresees the permanent cessation of animal captivity and their transfer to certified shelters, marking a transition from “exhibition” to “coexistence”.
Strong educational dimension
The new space will host experiential educational programmes for all ages, focusing on biodiversity, urban microclimate and sustainable mobility.
International networking
Through cooperation with the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education, the centre will be integrated into international networks of environmental citizenship.
Strengthening and unifying green spaces
The connection with the Municipal Garden and the future Botanical Garden will create a single green lung for the city.
Spaces for direct contact with nature
Small habitats and natural elements will offer authentic nature experiences, without restrictions on animals.
Support for Limassol’s environmental policies
The centre strengthens the municipality’s strategy for green transition and climate neutrality, operating as a public green hub.
Digital and interactive applications
AR and VR technologies will allow visitors to explore Cypriot flora and fauna in a modern and engaging way.
Research role
The site will function as a hub for scientific research, participating in species conservation and citizen science programmes.
Environmental and social benefits
Residents will enjoy upgraded recreation and wellbeing spaces, while social cohesion and ecotourism will be enhanced.
Linking art and environment
Cultural activities and artistic interventions will strengthen environmental awareness.
Strategic cooperation with the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education
This cooperation ensures scientific credibility, international expertise and high-quality educational and experiential programmes.
The presentation and proposal concluded that the transformation of the site could position Limassol as a model city for environmental citizenship and sustainable urban development.
The majority favour closure
It is recalled that during the preparation of the first study proposal by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education, a public consultation was conducted through an online questionnaire, with 1,858 respondents. On the main question regarding the future of the zoo, 1,057 respondents, or 56.89 per cent, answered “closure”, while 801 respondents, or 43.11 per cent, answered “upgrade”.
A notable differentiation appears among Limassol residents, with 1,414 responses recorded. Residents of Limassol appear evenly divided, with 704 respondents, or 49.79 per cent, favouring closure and 710 respondents, or 50.21 per cent supporting an upgrade.
The scientific staff of the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education, drawing also on this consultation, conclude that both international standards and public opinion no longer favour the continued operation of the zoo. They further conclude that an urban-type farm would not be an appropriate replacement, given the location of the site and the broader land uses of the area.