Following the death of lion Kivú, the management from Simón Bolívar Zoo Foundation publicly requested that the national authorities respond to a series of questions raised due to the transfer of the animal from the zoo to the facilities of Zoo Ave.
The entity issued a statement requesting the following answers:
-Results of the tests performed on the lion on December 5th at Zoo Ave, and results of subsequent revisions, which have been declared of “absolute confidentiality” by the State.
-Information about the facilities where the lion was kept in Zoo Ave. The photographs and videos posted by SENASA and MINAE show an uneven terrain with obstacles, not suitable for a geriatric patient with osteoarthritis. The containment space lacks appropriate platforms and adequate ventilation, which increases the temperature and therefore the need to drink water. The animal might have been stressed and avoided the liquid, which could have led to kidney failure.
-Technical reasons to transfer the lion knowing the risk new conditions and location posed to the animal’s health.
-Detailed costs of the transfer, the construction of the zoo, the tests (and their shipment to the United Staes), treatments and cost of the professionals in charge, and the cost of the food.
Fundazoo strongly criticized authorities on Monday and said that the lion always enjoyed good conditions in Simón Bolívar Zoo.