Many remember the Holtsville Ecology Site as a nostalgic zoo to which the kids could be brought to tour the greenhouse, feed the goats, and view unusual species from around the country, and even the world, all in a taxpayer-funded center conveniently located in the hamlet of Holtsville.
To boot, the original premise of the site is an admirable one: housing injured, socially incompatible, or otherwise unreleasable animals into the wild. It’s a concept that we can get behind, especially in light of the points made by opponents of for-profit zoos. It provides a similar level of entertainment and education but with a more humanitarian aspect.
Unfortunately, it seems the center has long eclipsed its heyday. If these allegations are true – although the photo evidence is fairly damning – then it is a complete travesty that the animals were as neglected as they were for as long as they were. Furthermore, should the allegations be proven, it’s a further travesty that such a great concept right in our own backyards couldn’t uphold its very basic creed.
We agree that an investigation is necessary and we hope for a speedy, transparent one.
However, we don’t think this has to be the end of the Holtsville Ecology Site. The proof of concept is there, as similar sites across the country operate professionally, and again, why can’t we have an educational community center that can benefit the residents and animals simultaneously?
After the review is complete, leadership of the Ecology Site proper should be dealt with accordingly, whether that entails criminal charges or public admonishment. The punishment should fit the crime, and we’re sure there have been a lot of moving parts within the facility for years for it to have gotten this bad.
But once the house – and the center – are cleaned, both figuratively and literally, the site should be remediated and returned to the public for their own enjoyment, but also as a legitimate haven for unreleasable animals.
This can be done. Granted, it might take time for the Town to find and vet the proper candidates, but zoologists, animal behaviorists, veterinarians, surgeons, and even the assistants should all be top-shelf to continue the great work that can be done with this type of facility. Habitats should simulate natural habitats. Toys, activities, and other items should stimulate the animals. If they can’t be released for legitimate reasons, it doesn’t mean they have to serve as prisoners.
Allegations are allegations, but if they do stick, some real reckoning is required in Holtsville.
