Long Island zoo caretaker lashes out when town decides to close sanctuary after years of abuse allegations

The head zookeeper at Long Island’s largest and most contentious zoo has expressed outrage towards local officials regarding the recently announced plans to shut down the sanctuary, amidst ongoing accusations of abuse towards animals.

Kristin Layer, the caretaker at Holtsville Ecology Center, vented her frustrations at the Brookhaven town authorities, attributing the impending closure of the taxpayer-funded facility to political maneuvering and what she terms “Crookhaven” corruption.

“The TRUE REASON for the ‘closure’ is because of ‘budget cuts’ YET our town [leaders] awarded themselves raises of over $30,000 this year including [Town Supervisor] Dan Panico,” Layer proclaimed in a remarkable Instagram tirade.

“They are merely attempting to disguise the truth from us taxpayers in order to maintain their image and lay the blame on the employees & staff,” she argued.

Layer could not be reached for further comments.

Documentation from the town indicates that the zoo, which is free to access, operated at a significant financial deficit each year, and its closure is anticipated to save over $2 million annually. The 2026 budget, however, includes increases in salaries for elected officials, averaging between $3,000 and $4,000 each, totaling about $30,000 combined.

Brookhaven officials defended the pay raises, rejecting Layer’s assertions.

“This gradual closure is NOT politically motivated; it solely concerns budget constraints,” asserted Drew Scott, a spokesperson for Brookhaven, in remarks to The Post.

“We no longer need to operate a zoo,” he stated, emphasizing that the salary adjustments for officials are merely to keep pace with inflation and living costs.

The refuge, established in 1979 on a repurposed landfill, has been marked by a troubling history of allegations regarding animal mistreatment.

The zoo allegedly allowed a bald eagle to perish, failed to rescue a mountain lion from drowning, and reportedly operated on a rooster without anesthetic, according to sources.

Animal welfare advocates have welcomed the announcement of the zoo’s closure made on Monday but criticized the town’s plan for relocating animals as “completely unacceptable.” They contend that Brookhaven officials have rejected offers of free assistance from animal rights groups to help relocate the zoo’s approximately 100 animals and are instead opting for locations with their own problematic histories.

“We can immediately relocate many of the animals, provide them with veterinary care, and place them in sanctuaries where they can thrive in natural environments – all without incurring any costs to the town,” stated John Di Leonardo, President of Humane Long Island, referring to the proposal made to the town.

However, Scott responded that the town has no intention of collaborating with Di Leonardo or his organization, revealing that discussions have instead occurred with Quogue Wildlife Refuge, Sweetbriar Nature Center, and Hoyt Farms regarding animal relocation—establishments that some critics argue have similar issues to Holtsville.

“The Town has failed these creatures for decades,” Di Leonardo expressed. “It must ensure that the animals are placed in reputable sanctuaries that can offer the dedicated care they need to lead healthier lives, rather than relegating them to other substandard facilities where they will continue to endure suffering.”