Long Island's Holtsville Ecology Site Zoo to Close Early 2026

Closure of Holtsville Ecology Site Zoo

• 📌 The Holtsville Ecology Site Zoo, Long Island's largest zoo since 1979, is scheduled to close in early 2026.
• 💰 Brook Haven Town Supervisor Dan Panico stated the closure will save taxpayers millions and that running an animal sanctuary is outside the scope of town government.

Animal Relocation and Welfare

• 🚚 The 100 animals housed at the zoo will be relocated to other sanctuaries within the next six months to live out their days peacefully.
• ⚠️ Animal advocates, including Humane Long Island, are hailing the decision as a victory, citing past allegations of abuse, untreated medical conditions, filthy enclosures, and moldy food.
• 🔬 Advocates also noted a lack of specialized veterinary care for the donated, injured animals, suggesting they should have been managed by reputable sanctuaries rather than a highway department or landfill.

Decision Factors and Future Plans

• ⚖️ While supervisor Panico acknowledged that abuse allegations factored into the decision, he called some of them "wildly overblown."
• ❓ Current staffers expressed surprise and concern that moving the animals from their established home could be detrimental to their well-being.
• 🏞️ The supervisor mentioned that the town and public will decide on a replacement for the site, with possibilities including a spray park or mountain biking trails.
• ✅ Panico believes this is the right decision for both taxpayers and the animals at the Holtsville site.