The future of Limassol Zoo has once again returned to the agenda of the Municipal Council. Following the rejection of the previous proposal on 18 June, the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education (ΚΥΚΠΕΕ) under the Metropolis of Limassol presented a revised development plan for the site. The main idea remains unchanged — to gradually transform the zoo into an educational centre focused on biodiversity and the urban environment. However, the new proposal no longer envisages removing animals from the site entirely.
The updated concept provides for a limited number of animals, primarily birds and some domestic species. A key condition is that wild animals would no longer be kept in traditional cages. Ahead of the meeting, Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis held an extended meeting with the heads of municipal groups and presented the new concept for the operation and development of the site.
What will happen to the animals
According to Armeftis, keeping animals in captivity remains a fundamental “red line” for him. The space is therefore expected to be reorganised so that birds can occupy a much larger area. Two options are being considered: allowing birds to move freely around the site or creating special areas protected by netting and barriers. At the same time, most of the animals under the new concept would be domestic rather than wild.
This means the proposal is not simply about making cosmetic changes to the existing zoo, but about changing the entire concept of the site — from displaying animals to providing environmental education and introducing visitors to biodiversity. The original version of the project proposed much more radical changes. It envisaged closing the zoo, transferring the animals to appropriate facilities and creating a Centre for Biodiversity and the Urban Environment. The concept also included educational programmes, interactive projects and spaces dedicated to urban ecosystems, climate change and sustainable development.
Why the previous proposal was rejected
On 18 June 2026, Limassol Municipal Council rejected the previous proposal to transform the zoo. Ten councillors voted in favour and 14 against. The zoo therefore continued operating in its existing format. The main point of disagreement was what role a zoo should play in a modern city and whether keeping animals in captivity should continue to be considered acceptable.
The issue has prompted mixed reactions. On the one hand, animal welfare advocates and environmental organisations support ending the keeping of wild animals in captivity. On the other hand, some residents and former mayors consider the zoo an important part of Limassol’s history and collective memory.
Earlier public consultations showed considerable support for the environmental direction of the project: more than 80% of participants supported closing the zoo and transferring the animals to suitable facilities, while around 90% backed the educational and environmental components of the proposed new centre.
No final decision has yet been made on the zoo’s future
Despite the presentation of the revised proposal, no final decision has yet been made on the future of Limassol Zoo. The mayor noted that all members of the Municipal Council must first review the concept, after which councillors will decide on the next steps. His initial assessment of the reaction to the new idea was positive.
The zoo itself remains open for now. It was established in 1956 and currently occupies an area of around 8,000 m2. The question of what this space will become in the future — a modern environmental centre or a renewed zoo with a limited number of animals — remains open.