Jordan's Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that the closure of Black Iris Zoo was part of a broader campaign targeting several zoological parks across the Kingdom to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
اضافة اعلان
Assistant Secretary-General for Livestock Affairs, Eng. Misbah Al-Tarawneh, told Al Ghad that the ministry has issued notices and violations to all existing zoos, requiring them to correct their legal status and fulfill licensing requirements.
Al-Tarawneh said that five zoos have been included in the inspection campaign, including Black Iris Zoo, adding that ministry committees will soon inspect two additional facilities to verify their compliance with licensing conditions.
He explained that zoo owners have been formally notified of the violations and required corrective measures, stressing that any zoo meeting the necessary requirements will be granted a license in accordance with applicable regulations.
According to Al-Tarawneh, some facilities have already been closed following inspections because they failed to meet licensing standards, while others are still working to address the recorded violations.
He emphasized that zoos failing to rectify their status will face legal action, including referrals to the administrative governor for closure orders.
The ministry, he said, is enforcing regulations equally across all facilities in coordination with the relevant authorities.
In a previous statement, Al-Tarawneh said the decision to close Black Iris Zoo stemmed from violations of zoo licensing regulations, stressing that the objective is to ensure public safety and animal health.
He clarified that the facility is licensed as a zoo, not as a breeding and reproduction farm, and is therefore subject to regulations governing zoological parks.
The ministry had previously issued a memorandum listing 29 corrective requirements, but additional violations were identified during subsequent inspections.
Among the most significant violations, he said, were the failure to meet the minimum land area requirement, the absence of a full-time resident veterinarian, and issues related to animal breeding within the zoo.
Al-Tarawneh explained that Jordanian regulations prohibit breeding animals inside zoos, noting that such activities must take place in specialized breeding facilities.
He added that the ministry held several meetings with the zoo's management and granted it three opportunities to rectify its status before deciding to close the facility. While the ministry supports investment, he said, all projects must comply with health and veterinary standards.
Another key reason for the closure was the direct interaction between visitors and animals, which is prohibited under current regulations because it increases the risk of transmitting diseases between animals and humans.
Visitors, he noted, are allowed to observe animals without direct physical contact.
The ministry also raised concerns regarding the legal ownership documentation for certain animals, including birds of prey and reptiles, requiring proof of their lawful acquisition.
Al-Tarawneh concluded by clarifying that zoo staff are still permitted to care for and feed the animals.
He also noted that one of the required corrective measures is the construction of a second emergency exit, as the facility currently has only one entrance and exit.
