The largest and most debated zoo on Long Island is set to close its gates and transfer all its inhabitants to rescue organizations as it prepares to “wind down” operations by early next year, town officials announced on Monday.
The Holtsville Ecology Center’s zoo, a taxpayer-funded animal sanctuary in Suffolk County, has been plagued by severe abuse allegations, and will finally be closed down after more than 40 years of operation, as Brookhaven town officials aim to reduce expenses and redirect focus and funds.
“The Holtsville sanctuary operations will begin to wind down,” Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico stated during a special town meeting on Monday.
Panico added, “Society’s views evolve with time, and so too must the views of our town, particularly if we want to fulfill our commitment to efficient town governance — operating a zoo is beyond what our town government should manage, especially during these financially challenging times.”
Town officials mentioned that although there is currently no set closing date, they plan to clear out the zoo by the close of March 2026 and transfer all animals to “SPCA approved and accredited” rescue facilities.
“This won’t be rushed,” Panico elaborated, noting that funding for the sanctuary will be maintained through the first quarter of next year.
“We will proceed carefully, ensuring that the animals are relocated to appropriate places where they can live out their days peacefully, while we refocus on the essential functions of town governance.”
Since opening its doors in 1979 on a repurposed landfill, the Holtsville zoo developed into a major free attraction for families throughout Long Island, especially in Suffolk County.
The sanctuary currently houses approximately 100 animals, most of which were rescued or donated and cannot survive in the wild, including bald eagles, bobcats, buffalo, and farm animals that visitors can interact with.
However, the establishment has faced increasing backlash in recent years for its treatment of animals, including allowing a mountain lion to drown, performing painful procedures on Larry the rooster without anesthesia, neglecting Honey the bear’s dental issues, and not addressing Nessy the Peking duck’s lead poisoning, as per reports from sources close to the situation.
Animal rights advocates have consistently argued that the town lacked the veterinary resources and expertise to care appropriately for the varied species and regarded Monday’s announcement as a necessary measure.
John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island, expressed to The Post, “This is truly the only humane decision made for the animals involved.”
Di Leonardo also highlighted the move’s benefits for both animal welfare and taxpayer finances. “We anticipated this — it could save taxpayers over a million dollars annually. We must ensure that these animals do not end up in another inadequate facility,” he remarked.
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Conversely, Jennifer Ramos, a local resident, expressed her devastation over the zoo’s closure and shared her willingness to support the sanctuary financially. “I’m heartbroken. I take my grandkids here often, and they love it. But if the animals are not being treated properly, then change is needed. The purpose of this place is to care for animals that can’t care for themselves,” Ramos stated, previously unaware of the accusations against the zoo.
“I hope the town can collaborate with an external organization that knows what it’s doing instead of shutting it down entirely,” she added.
Nonetheless, Panico reiterated that closing the non-profit sanctuary is the only financially responsible approach moving forward for the town.
“The highway superintendent and every member of this board inherited this responsibility. We deal with land use, zoning, planning, parks, open spaces, road maintenance, garbage collection — these are the duties that the town government should focus on,” he concluded.
