Charles Polidano’s Montekristo zoo hit by MEPA enforcement

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has confirmed that the 'zoo' in Charles Polidano's Montekristo estate is located on an illegally developed site.

Previously described as a private collection, the zoo is now hosting organised visits by groups who come to see a wide collection of animals which includes zebras, wild pigs, farm animals, birds and monkeys.

But the zoo is still awaiting a 'zoo licence' from the government's Veterinary Directorate, which confirmed that all animals kept in the zoo have the necessary legal documentation.

On 1 November, an outing to the Montekristo zoo which was advertised on Facebook was organised by the women section of the Madonna tal-Gilju band club in Mqabba.  MaltaToday is also informed that school outings are also being organised on the same site by private schools.

A spokesperson for MEPA confirmed that the area, comprising the existing structures containing the operation of the zoo, is subject to enforcement notice ECF 724/08.

In September 2012, the Authority initiated criminal court proceedings against the owner.

The enforcement order issued in 2008 refers to the construction of stables and other structures without a permit.

But MEPA is not responsible for issuing a zoo licence which is the prerogative of the Veterinary Services Department which falls under George Pullicino's Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs.

A spokesperson for the Ministry confirmed that the Veterinary Regulation Directorate received an application to issue a zoo licence. The spokesperson confirmed that there are no health issues with the animals, as all movements of animals were accompanied by veterinary and CITES certification. A number of informal inspections have also been carried out on the site to verify animal welfare conditions.

But the ministry spokesperson specified that a zoo needs both a licence from the Veterinary Regulation Directorate and a development permit issued by MEPA.

The zoo, which spans over 25,000 square meters, was described as a private one in August 2011 when a foal was born to two zebras brought to Malta in 2009. 

Representatives of the Born Free Foundation visited the Montekristo zoo in February 2012.

The report states that although open to the public, according to official records, 'Montekristo Zoo' has yet to be allocated a zoo licence. Inspections were also held in the President's Kitchen Garden and the LWS animal park.

"Conditions in all three zoos were poor, including inadequate levels of hygiene and cramped conditions. A number of animals were observed displaying stereotypic behaviour and others appeared to require veterinary intervention and improved husbandry," the report concluded.

Zoos in Malta are regulated by Legal Notice 265 of 2003 (CAP 439), 'The Keeping of Wild Animals in Zoos Regulations', 2003. The objectives of these regulations are to protect wild fauna and to conserve biodiversity by providing for the adoption of licensing and inspection of zoos on the territory of Malta in order to strengthen the role of zoos in the conservation of biodiversity.

This Legal Notice is implementing the provisions found under European Council Directive 1999/22/EC relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos.

According to these Regulations, a 'zoo', refers to all permanent establishments where animals of wild species are kept for exhibition to the public for seven or more days a year.