Animal welfare activists in Buenos Aires have expressed outrage following the deaths of two more animals at the former zoo, which was supposed to be transformed into an ecopark. An 18-year-old giraffe named Jackie and a rare white rhinoceros called Ruth died within days of each other this month, prompting accusations of negligence.
The zoo was ordered to close in 2016 by Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, who described conditions as “degrading for the animals”. The site was to become an ecopark focused on education and conservation, with most animals transferred to nature reserves. However, former zoo director Claudio Bertonatti revealed that 119 animals have died since the government took over management in June 2016.
Autopsies showed Jackie had colic and a perforated ulcer, while Ruth suffered from multiple infections. Bertonatti attributed these to poor management and stress from ongoing renovations. Anonymous videos also showed rats and cockroaches in enclosures. Activist Malala Fontan of SinZoo said infections were likely caused by unsanitary conditions and stress from layoffs of caretakers.
Protesters from SinZoo gathered outside the ecopark over the rainy weekend, demanding “no more deaths nor relocations to other zoos”. Fontan stated, “The Buenos Aires Zoo has closed, but the animals still remain behind bars. Nothing has changed there, except the name.”
The ecopark is closed for renovations and did not respond to requests for comment. Bertonatti has filed a formal statement urging authorities to investigate the deaths and ensure compliance with international welfare standards set by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
