County Allocates EUR1.3 Million for Lions and Tigers After Zoo Bankruptcy

The Celle district in Lower Saxony, Germany, has found itself in a significant financial predicament following the bankruptcy of a local animal park. The facility, known as the Film Animal Park, which was operated by renowned animal trainer Joe Bodemann, declared insolvency in 2024. This situation has placed the responsibility of caring for numerous wild animals squarely on the shoulders of the local government.

Initially, the park housed 212 animals, and while many were quickly relocated to other facilities, the situation regarding five big cats has proven more complicated. Specifically, two lions have only recently found a new home after almost ten months, while three tigers are currently awaiting relocation to the Tierpark Gotha in Thuringia. However, reports indicate that only one of the tigers has moved to Gotha thus far, as a new enclosure must be constructed before the others can join.

As a result, the tigers, named Mara and Tonga, are currently housed in a temporary sanctuary in Spain while they await their transition to Germany. This ongoing situation has raised concerns regarding the financial implications for the Celle district. According to the Lower Saxony-Bremen Taxpayers' Association, the district has already incurred costs amounting to approximately EUR723,000 for the care of these animals. Additionally, an estimated EUR580,000 is needed for the construction of the new enclosure, bringing the total expenditure to EUR1.3 million.

Officials from the Taxpayers' Association have criticized the district for failing to secure financial safeguards from the animal park prior to its bankruptcy. They highlighted that the district could have required the park to provide security deposits to ensure that funds would be available for the animals' care in the event of financial difficulties. Furthermore, they suggested that the district had opportunities to revoke the park's operating license as early as 2020 due to an unauthorized change in management, which could have prompted earlier intervention.

In response to these criticisms, a spokesperson for the Celle district acknowledged the issues raised by the Taxpayers' Association and stated that the district is committed to learning from this experience to prevent similar situations in the future. An internal review is underway to address the management of such cases and ensure better preparation moving forward.

This incident highlights the complexities and financial burdens that local governments may face in managing animal welfare following the closure of private facilities. As the situation continues to evolve, the Celle district remains focused on ensuring the well-being of the remaining animals while addressing the financial implications of their care.