---
title: "Activists Demand Halt to Montekristo Zoo Reopening and Call for Inquiry"
date: 2026-09-05T20:00:47.886+00:00
updated: 2026-09-05T20:00:47.886+00:00
topics: ["Planning", "Environment", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-09-05/activists-demand-halt-to-montekristo-zoo-reopening-and-call-for-inquiry
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Activists Demand Halt to Montekristo Zoo Reopening and Call for Inquiry

## In brief

- Seventeen activist and animal welfare organisations have urged authorities to halt the reopening of Montekristo zoo.
- The groups demand official verification of the animal park's operating licence before the public is admitted.
- Campaigners also called for an independent investigation and criminal proceedings regarding past illegalities.

A coalition of 17 activist and animal welfare organisations has called on Maltese authorities to intervene and prevent the planned reopening of Montekristo zoo.

The groups have expressed serious concern regarding the legality of the site, demanding clear confirmation from regulators on whether the facility holds a valid operating licence to welcome visitors.

Alongside the demand for licensing verification, the organisations insisted that the government initiate an independent investigation into the history and management of the animal park.

The coalition further urged enforcement authorities to open criminal proceedings concerning past illegal developments and unresolved compliance issues associated with the venue.

Montekristo has been the focus of persistent controversy over the years regarding unlicensed animal enclosures, regulatory breaches, and animal welfare standards.

Campaigners argue that permitting the site to resume operations without rigorous regulatory scrutiny and full transparency undermines enforcement standards across the country.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Both outlets reported the activists' demands consistently without notable framing differences.

## Sources (2)

- [MaltaToday](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/144185/animal_welfare_groups_demand_montekristo_licence_confirmation_before_reopening)
- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/activists-urge-authorities-stop-montekristo-zoo-reopening.1133693)

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