Holtsville Zoo to Close in 2026 After Budget Cuts; Town Plans Rehoming for About 100 Rescued Animals

The Town of Brookhaven has voted to eliminate funding for the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve—commonly known as Holtsville Zoo—setting in motion a planned, gradual closure of the government-run park in 2026. The move is part of the town’s new $367 million budget and will shift responsibility for the care of roughly 100 rescued and donated animals to outside sanctuaries and accredited facilities.

Managed by the Town of Brookhaven Highway Department, the preserve houses a range of animals that cannot survive in the wild, including bears, foxes, large cats and various bird species. Town officials said they will work with local partners such as the Suffolk County Farm and multiple approved accredited sanctuaries to rehome the animals and ensure lifelong veterinary and specialized care.

Town Supervisor Dan Panico said the decision reflects changing priorities and rising municipal costs. "The 70s were a different time," he said, noting that operating an animal site managed through the Highway Department near an uncapped landfill is no longer appropriate. Officials framed the closure as both a fiscal decision and an opportunity to place animals in facilities focused full-time on animal welfare.

Allegations and Investigations

The closure announcement follows allegations of long-standing mistreatment at the preserve, including reports that ducks suffered lead poisoning and that a mountain lion drowned. Those claims, raised by animal advocates, prompted investigations by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as well as inquiries involving the Suffolk County District Attorney and the SPCA.

"We categorically state none of the animals at the Holtsville Ecology Site were abused or mistreated as claimed by some media reports and by former disgruntled employees," said Drew Scott, Brookhaven's director of communications, noting the town has already faced exhaustive investigations.

Animal advocates welcomed the closure as an opportunity to improve conditions. John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island, called the decision "long overdue" and urged the town to ensure each animal is transferred only to reputable, accredited sanctuaries capable of providing lifelong, specialized care.

Next Steps and Timeline

Officials acknowledge the logistical challenge of finding accredited placements for about 100 animals and say they will seek multiple partners to complete the transition. The town has targeted the first quarter of 2026 for transfers and emphasized that placements will be coordinated to provide appropriate medical attention and ongoing care for every animal.

Brookhaven officials said rescued birds and mammals currently housed at the facility will be transferred to approved, accredited sanctuaries to ensure continued and ethical treatment. The town also expressed an intent to partner with local organizations where applicable to spread responsibility across several facilities.