Belfast Zoo facing closure as Sinn Féin says caging animals "wrong and unethical"

Belfast Zoo is facing closure as Sinn Féin prepares to present a motion at City Hall declaring that the “display of caged animals in enclosures is wrong and unethical”.

But the party insists jobs will be protected as they want to see Council officials draw up an “ambitious plan to transform Belfast Zoo into a world-class visitor attraction by 2025”.

The five-year transition is hoped to see animals re-homed in their “natural habitats” while the site is used for conservation projects that will feature more indigenous species like red squirrels.

The rest of the land, that sits at the foot of Cavehill in North Belfast, could then be used for other yet-to-be decided attractions.

Conor Maskey, a Sinn Fein councillor in the area, said options ranging from a playpark to even a “Tayto Park” style facility could be built on the site. However he cautioned that the plan is for a five year transition and “not reckless” with Council officials exploring various options that will be viable for the site.

He said “the current treatment of animals for entertainment purposes should have no place in modern Belfast”.

Jobs at the Zoo, he added, will not be lost with “retention, redeployment and retraining” used to ensure that.

He acknowledged earlier efforts of Ulster Unionist councillor Chris McGimpsey who pressed for the closure of the Zoo, but added that the Sinn Féin motion will “hopefully get this over the line as we have galvanised support on this”.

An early draft of the party’s motion, that will be presented to the Council on Monday, also states that the “ratepayers of this city have to subsidise the zoo to the tune of £2.5 million per year”.

It adds: “The savings from the zoo site could provide substantial funding for the much-needed regeneration of the city, create jobs, opportunities and attract more visitors. The five-year transitional period will enable this council to safely return animals to their natural habitats in a carefully crafted phased approach.

“Furthermore, this council will retain on-site animal conservation programme for indigenous animals. The five years will also enable this council to consult with trade unions, staff and residents of this city through direct engagement and consultation.

“This council will commit to securing all jobs currently on the zoo site with the options of retraining and redeployment. This will create an opportunity for Belfast City Council to develop the site, create jobs and to promote the city ethically.”

source: Belfastlive