Polidano’s big cats moved to bigger homes at Montekristo

The lion, lynx, pumas and jungle cats housed at the illegal zoo at Montekristo Estate were moved to bigger homes within the same area, the company said.

In a statement issued today, the company’s lawyer said “the transfer was carried out as per Polidano Group’s commitment to offer the animals housed at Montekristo the best environment possible.”

Earlier this week, a number of NGOs called on MEPA and the Animal Welfare Department to take immediate action regarding Montekristo Estate and address all illegalities and the animal welfare issues without further delay.

The illegal construction of a zoo on construction magnate Charles Polidano’s Montekristo Estates in Safi was halted by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority on Friday. His company Polidano Bros is to face criminal charges, the Animal Rights Parliamentary Secretariat said last week

However, despite receiving a number warning letters from the Veterinary Directorate because of the poor conditions animals were kept in, Montekristo Estates Animal Park remained open.

In July, the Animal Rights Parliamentary Secretariat confirmed the site owned by Polidano Brothers was in breach of the Animal Welfare Act, however no action was taken.

In reaction to the NGOs statement, the company said “all animals housed at Montekristo were purchased from zoo’s and breeders within the EU, and were all certified according to CITES and other international standards.”

Moreover, the company's statement said that all animals had the required documentation at law when they were imported and all documentation was being handed over for examination and approval by the competent authorities since 2009.

In their call for action, the NGOs said “live animals are suffering while the authorities are dragging their feet,” adding that "the Montekristo cases of illegalities have been ongoing for far too long and the NGOs feel that, despite electoral manifesto commitments and promises by the relevant authorities to act, nothing tangible is being done while one government after another allows such illegalities to continue and increase.”