According to KhabarOnline, Hassan Kazempour stated that following a report on the condition of this facility received through the Gilan Department of Environment, necessary investigations were conducted, and the zoo officials were requested to present the legal permits required for animal care.
He added that the facility held a bird garden permit, which has since expired, and no permit has been issued by the Environmental Protection Department for keeping species such as tigers and other special animals in the collection.
The Bandar Anzali prosecutor emphasized that the care of special animal species requires specific conditions and permits, and due to the absence of the necessary licenses, an order to seal the facility was issued.
Kazempour further explained that according to this order, the animals currently housed at the site must be transferred to a safe and suitable location in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The Bandar Anzali prosecutor reiterated that keeping animal species without permits and outside legal regulations is unacceptable.
Farhad Hosseini Taifeh, Director General of the Gilan Department of Environment, also told KhabarOnline that the “Caspian Animal Cottage” in Bandar Anzali was sealed due to the lack of permits for keeping and displaying wildlife species.
He continued that the facility was planned as a bird garden within the comprehensive plan of the Anzali Free Zone; however, any activities related to wildlife, including keeping, transferring, and displaying animal species, must be conducted with environmental permits.
He added that several wildlife and mammal species were brought into the facility without coordination or permits from the Environmental Protection Department, and the investor was informed that such actions require environmental approval.
The Director General of the Gilan Department of Environment stated that after becoming aware of the facility’s opening and inspecting the site, it was confirmed that the investor had not obtained the necessary permits to operate as a zoo and display animals; therefore, a legal complaint was filed against the facility on the same day.
Hosseini Taifeh referred to the contract between the Anzali Free Zone and the investor, noting that the agreement stipulates the investor must obtain the required environmental permits for zoo activities, and any unauthorized activities are the investor’s responsibility.
Today, following judicial follow-ups by the Environmental Protection Department and by order of the Bandar Anzali prosecutor, two entrances to the Caspian Animal Cottage facility were sealed, while one entrance remains open for animal care.
