“A tragic story is linked to this place.” I share with you as we stand before the former site of the Zoo de Florencio Varela. This zoo once stood as a major tourist attraction in Florencio Varela. It was located in the southern part of Gran Buenos Aires.
Opened in 1995 the Zoo de Florencio Varela housed over 120 animal species. The zoo covered six hectares. It was surrounded by urban neighborhoods. The entrance was on Avenida Teniente General Juan Domingo Perón.
The Zoo de Florencio Varela started small. It grew following the World Conservation Strategy for Zoos. Deer were the first animals born there. Lions and tigers soon followed. The zoo also successfully bred jaguars and black howler monkeys.
Early enclosures evolved into larger habitats. These could house animals from around the globe. Native Argentine species were given priority. Exotic animals included elands and Bengal tigers. Native species included jaguars and pumas.
The Zoo de Florencio Varela was recognized by the municipality. It belonged to several zoo associations. These included AZBA and ALPZA. It collaborated with ARTIS Zoo of Amsterdam. They worked on a giant anteater conservation project.
Visitors enjoyed guided tours. School visits and an educational farm were available. Other attractions included a playground and picnic areas. The Zoo de Florencio Varela offered parking a buffet and a party hall.
However the Zoo de Florencio Varela was also the site of a tragic accident. In 2007 a zookeeper named Melisa Noelia Casco was killed by a giant anteater. She was 19 years old. The animal inflicted severe injuries. She died in the hospital after multiple surgeries.
The Zoo de Florencio Varela was criticized for safety issues. The zoo’s director Claudio Quagliata was initially found guilty of manslaughter. But the sentence was later overturned. In 2016 the zoo closed its doors.
In the wake of the tragedy a labor court ordered the zoo owners to pay 101 million pesos to Casco’s family. The court ruled that the zoo had neglected its duty to ensure employee safety. The Zoo de Florencio Varela no longer exists. Its history serves as a reminder of the importance of safety. It highlights ethical treatment in animal parks.