After a year-long campaign led by Humane Long Island, the Town of Brookhaven has announced that the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve — a roadside zoo operated by the Town Highway Department atop an old landfill — will be permanently closed. All animals will be relocated to reputable sanctuaries where they can receive specialized care and live far more natural, fulfilling lives.
We extend our sincere thanks to Supervisor Dan Panico and the Town Board — especially Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, the first to meet with us and hear our concerns — for recognizing that municipalities have no business operating zoos. Their decision is not only a major victory for animal welfare, but also a significant win for residents: closing the Holtsville Ecology Site is expected to save taxpayers more than $2 million every year.
Our work now enters a crucial new phase: ensuring that every single animal is placed in a reputable sanctuary. Humane Long Island has offered to facilitate placement immediately and at no cost to the Town — and we are ready to begin today.
Please take a moment to thank Supervisor Dan Panico at supervisorpanico@brookhavenny.gov and politely urge him to work with Humane Long Island to guarantee the best possible outcome for each and every animal.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood with us — those who attended town meetings and protests, amplified our message through Newsday, the New York Post, and other media outlets, our friends at PETA for sponsoring a mobile billboard depicting Honey the bear’s final days at Holtsville, and the more than a dozen courageous whistleblowers who brought these animals’ suffering to light.
This victory belongs to you.