The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has ordered the Jamaica Zoo to be closed with immediate effect until the company complies with certain conditions sited in a notice by the Agency.

This comes after a recent incident where a lion at the facility ripped off the finger of a man at the Zoo described as a contractor. Following this incident, a thorough investigation into the incident was conducted by NEPA where several breaches were identified

As such, NEPA has outlined that the proprietors of the entity must ensure that members of staff who are responsible for handling animals are properly trained and account for species held and/or filing related reports or notifications.

In addition, workers must submit an animal nutrition and welfare programme and seek to engage competent technical skill sets to assist with operations.

Meanwhile, Director of the Legal and Enforcement Division at NEPA, Morjorn Wallock also indicated that the installation of satisfactory animal enclosures for the welfare of the animals and submission of animal nutrition and welfare programme must also be put in place in order to resume operations.