Brookhaven Town Zoo to Close, Animals to be Relocated to Sanctuaries
Brookhaven Town is moving to close its zoo, located within the Holtsville ecology Site, wiht plans to relocate the animals to reputable sanctuaries. The proclamation was made by Town Supervisor Ed Panico, who cited escalating costs and necessary repairs as key factors in the decision. The closure still requires ratification by the town board during budget deliberations, but initial reactions from board members present at a recent meeting indicated support for the move.
The zoo, operated by the town’s highway department and situated on a former landfill and composting center off Buckley Road, requires over $2 million in repairs and security upgrades, according to Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro. While acknowledging the closure as “a loss,” Losquadro stated the rising operational costs made continued operation unsustainable.
The Holtsville ecology site itself will remain open, continuing to offer amenities like swimming pools and picnic areas.
The zoo has faced scrutiny in the past, lacking accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA accreditation requires adherence to specific animal welfare, veterinary care, and conservation standards. Previous reports detailed concerns raised by former caretakers regarding inadequate pen sizes, infrequent cleaning, and potential distress to animals caused by noise from nearby camp groups.
Panico had previously defended the zoo but initiated an investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office into the reported issues.
Animal welfare groups have welcomed the news. john Di Leonardo, president of Humane Long Island, praised the decision, stating it would “save animals and save taxpayers a lot of money.” He offered assistance with rehoming the animals currently in the zoo’s care.
Jessica Chiarello, a licensed rehabilitator at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, called the closure “a huge win,” but emphasized the importance of careful placement. “We’d love to make sure that these animals are going to reputable sanctuaries,” she said, noting her experience with animals previously transferred from the Holtsville zoo.
Panico indicated the town will collaborate with advisors to identify appropriate sanctuary locations, mentioning Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown and Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack as potential options. He did not provide a specific timeline for the relocation process, stating the town will “take all the time we need to do it correctly.”
The future employment status of the zoo’s three employees remains undetermined. Di leonardo and other animal welfare experts have offered their assistance in the relocation effort, with Di Leonardo stating he could begin assisting immediately.
