While “The Jungle Book” makes box office records around the world, many of Zapopan’s own jungle cats are heading to a wildlife refuge in Hidalgo.
Monday, Irma the tiger, Sanson the lion (both born at the Villa Fantasia Zoon in Zapopan in 2000) and a pair of linx (Sol and Luna), brought to the zoo in 2006 and 2009, were handed over to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency for transport to the Management Center for Wildlife Conservation (also known as the Bioparque Estrella) in Pachuca, Hidalgo, where they will be able to run free and live with other animals in conditions adequate for their size and needs. Unfortunately, one of the lynx died while in transit, it was reported Monday night.
The large cats’ removal from Villa Fantasia is part of the Secretariat of the Environment (Semarnat)’s policy of placing animals housed previously in small zoos and circuses, or rescued from illegal captivity in private homes and ranches, to refuges that can handle the spacial needs of large animals. The private foundation Tierra Nueva worked tirelessly with the federal agency to find a home for the large cats. Many of the cats at the zoo have been housed there temporarily while Semarnat looked for a final home for them.
Villa Fantasia is a well-cared-for small city zoo and will continue to attract schoolchildren anxious to see wild animals. Zapopan Mayor Pablo Lemus, who attended the send-off for the cats along with dozens of primary school students invited to the event, said tree trimming and a general clean-up of the zoo would take place in the near future.
According to Zoo Director Yamile Lotfe there are 37 species of animals on display including a jaguar, deer, birds, a black bear, crocodile, alligators, snakes, a coati, raccoons, macawa, ostrich, and an Australian emmu and three baby emmus born last month. Villa Fantasia also has a playground area for the kids. You can bring your own food and beverages or purchase snacks there. Clown shows on Saturday and Sunday are at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Schools can make appointments for free visits by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance fee is nine pesos. Kids under three enter free. To Reach the Zoo from downtown Guadalajara take Avenida Acalde to Avila Camacho, turn right on San Jorge, left on Aurelio Ortega and drive about six blocks. There is ample parking on the street near the zoo.