In Lyon, the municipal election campaign is taking a very animal-friendly turn. Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi, a deputy and candidate for the mayor's office, has officially committed to closing the zoo at the Tête d’Or park. This bold announcement comes after signing the charter of the association Projet Animaux Zoopolis (PAZ), reigniting a sensitive and symbolic debate in the 6th arrondissement.
The first candidate to promise the closing of the zoo
With this commitment, Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi becomes the first candidate to firmly embrace this position. According to PAZ, the roadmap is clear: an immediate stop to breeding and new acquisitions, a gradual transfer of the animals to suitable sanctuaries, and then a complete closure of the site during the next municipal term. This timeline represents a significant break from the status quo.
The promise goes beyond the gates of the Tête d’Or park. The rebellious candidate also commits to ...
Animal welfare measures in Lyon, such as banning live bait fishing on the lake, ending traditional fireworks, refusing animal performances, and using non-lethal methods to manage pigeons and rats in the city.PAZ puts pressure on other candidates
While PAZ welcomes this commitment, the association regrets the silence of other candidates for the mayoral position. Jean-Michel Aulas is criticized for not responding, while the outgoing mayor, Grégory Doucet, is called to clarify his position. For the association, continuing to support the zoo would mean endorsing a model deemed outdated.
In a context of increasing sensitivity to animal welfare issues, the zoo's case could hold significant weight. Credited with 10% of first-round voting intentions, Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi aims to make this commitment a strong political symbol. In Lyon, animal welfare is now emerging as a real priority.
The election issue, and the Tête d’Or zoo could very well become one of the most divisive topics of the campaign.