The León Zoo has announced it will close its facilities "until further notice" to address a series of requirements issued by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA). The move follows a court order issued in response to allegations regarding the deaths of various species and suspected animal cruelty.
According to reports from xataka.com.mx, 98 animal deaths have been recorded between 2025 and the beginning of 2026. This situation led a District Judge in Guanajuato to order protective measures for the facility's species.
The legal crisis intensified after the civil associationVa por sus siglas en Derechosfiled an injunction (amparo), as reported byLa Jornadaon December 11. The federal inspection process was triggered by a complaint of animal mistreatment during the 'Halloween Zoo' event, where the use of lights and noise allegedly caused significant stress to the animals.
Federal authorities conducted inspections on December 8 and 9, detecting several irregularities. According toEl Sol de León, authorities have imposed urgent corrective measures, giving the zoo a 10-day deadline for compliance.
This marks the second closure of the zoo in four months due to agency oversight. In December, the facility suspended operations for two days to allow PROFEPA to verify infrastructure upgrades intended to ensure animal safety.
Regarding the institution's financial and operational status, the local outletAMreported that the zoo maintains that the required upgrades were completed "in a timely and proper manner" last year. The zoo highlighted that the municipal government of León has invested more than 200 million pesos to improve infrastructure and strengthen protocols.
Management assured that the animals receive comprehensive and permanent care, including food and veterinary attention. Nevertheless, the current suspension is part of the federal authority's ongoing review procedures.
The crisis has also led to leadership changes at the facility. On February 12, the zoo's Board revoked the appointment of Alejandro de Jesús Romero Salazar as director. Unofficial reports suggest that Diana Karen Casillas Casillas is expected to take over the position on May 1, while the directorship currently remains vacant.
