Limassol municipal council rejects proposal to transform the city zoo

The Limassol Municipal Council has officially rejected a proposal to transform the city's zoo into a biodiversity and environmental education center named 'Fysi'. During a session where 14 members voted against the plan and 10 in favor, the proposal by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education (CyCere) was struck down. Mayor Yiannis Armeftis confirmed the rejection but stated that the discussion remains open, with municipal groups expected to submit alternative plans. The proposal had aimed to end animal captivity, which currently costs the municipality approximately 750,000 euros annually, and replace it with interactive installations and research labs. Supporters of the transformation, including the mayor and deputy mayor, argue that current conditions do not meet modern animal welfare standards. Conversely, opponents, including former mayor Andreas Christou, argue that the zoo is a historic landmark and that public consultation results regarding its closure have been ambiguous or unrepresentative. For now, the zoo will continue its current operations as deliberations for its future proceed without a set deadline.