Exotic animal crisis: Momentum demands action as government enables cruelty and chaos

Momentum is reiterating calls for immediate government action after years of reported animal welfare failures involving exotic species continue to be met with silence and complicity.

As The Maltese Herald previously reported last April, Mediterraneo Marine Park remains a key example of this failure. Despite a 2014 law banning circuses, Mediterraneo continues to operate as a de facto marine circus – marketing itself as an educational facility while keeping dolphins in shallow, barren tanks, forcing them to perform for crowds. Animal welfare NGOs, and political parties like Momentum, have long argued that such facilities contradict both the letter and spirit of the Animal Welfare Act. We reported that at least three dolphins have already died, with official veterinary findings pointing to lead poisoning and negligence.

The situation surrounding the illegally held lions and leopard in Naxxar, previously owned by Christian Borg, a businessman with a criminal background and links to the Prime Minister, has only worsened. Under the guise of “research”, the Labour administration has quietly legalised private zoos and decriminalised the private keeping of exotic species.

Katya Compagno, executive member of Momentum, highlighted the dire situation at the so-called sanctuary in Rabat, where the four lions and leopard were moved after public outcry over their previous underground captivity in Naxxar. “This transfer offered no real improvement to the animals’ welfare,” she said, citing video footage showing concrete cages, limited space, and exposure to intense heat. “Despite widespread concern, no veterinary report has been made public, and authorities remain silent.

”The transfer of lions from one underground cage to another registered one is not progress,” said Compagno . “It’s a continuation of cruelty with government blessing.”

Momentum demands:

• An independent veterinary inspection and public report on the Rabat facility.
• The immediate relocation of the lions and leopard to an accredited international sanctuary.
• A transparent, expert-led investigation into conditions at Mediterraneo Marine Park.
• A national action plan with binding deadlines to phase out the private keeping of exotic animals.
• The creation of an independent oversight body composed of veterinarians, NGOs, and experts.

Compagno concluded: “This is no longer just a question of animal suffering.  It’s a test of whether Malta upholds the rule of law, transparency, and public interest over the profits and protection of a few.”

Ruth Zammit

News Editor
Journalist and Newscaster