In the midst of the controversy, the director of the León Zoological Park, Rigoberto Montes Palomares, presented his resignation.
Mexico City, December 13 (However).- The Leon Zooin Guanajuatowas temporarily closed by order of a federal judge based in the Mexico Cityas a result of an amparo trial promoted by the civil association Firm Goes for Your Rights, AC., after a series of complaints related to the death of animalsleaks and possible omissions by the responsible authorities.
The director of the organization, Susana Evelia Ramírez Terrazasreported that the judge granted the provisional suspension of protectionwhich forces the immediate closure of the facility while the merits of the case are analyzed.
The activist described the resolution as an unprecedented event, noting that it is the first time that a Judge orders the immediate closure of a zoo in Mexico for alleged animal abuse.
Among the events that motivated the legal action were the death of 24 mouflon sheep, allegedly attacked by a pack that entered the area; the death of an ostrich after falling into the lion’s den due to lack of electric fence; the death of a penguin attributed to negligence, as well as the disappearance and subsequent lifeless discovery of a spider monkey within the park.
Regarding the León Zoo, we inform that this week we carried out a two-day inspection of its facilities and we continue with the administrative procedure that includes urgently applicable measures. We will continue to inform.
— PROFEPA (@PROFEPA_Mx) December 12, 2025
As part of the process, the Judge ordered the Municipality of León and the indicated authorities to submit a report within 48 hours to detail the situation of the zoo and clarify if there were omissions in its operation and supervision.
Likewise, a period of 72 hours was established to report on compliance with the provisional suspension, which could be challenged by the municipal government, which would open the possibility of extending the deadlines while the protection is resolved.
In the midst of the controversy, the director of the León Zoological Park, Rigoberto Montes Palomares, presented his resignation to the Board of Directors during an extraordinary session.
On December 10, although an immediate departure was proposed, it was agreed that his separation from office would be effective until January 31, 2026, with the argument of guaranteeing the operation during the vacation period.