Longtime visitors and animal lovers are speaking out against Brookhaven Town’s plan to close the Holtsville Animal Preserve, home to rescued and rehabilitated animals, including the famed groundhog weather prognosticator Holtsville Hal.
A petition launched by community members urges town leaders to reconsider, highlighting the decades-old facility’s role as a safe haven for non-releasable animals and a hub for education on conservation and animal care.
“The animals continue to appear well maintained, physically and mentally healthy, and overall comfortable and happy,” states the petition, which has garnered over 4,000 signatures. Signers describe the site as immaculately kept, with staff always available to care for the animals and answer visitor questions.
Petition organizer Veronica Wilson emphasized the facility’s value. “Care and compassion are always at the forefront of the lives of the animals,” Wilson said. “Animals with and without special needs are given the necessary enrichment and interactive enclosures, and the community becomes part of that endeavor through educational programs.”
Longtime volunteer Victoria stated, “For more than 20 years, my father and I ran Groundhog Day at the ecology center, collecting zero income other than bringing families together.” She also recalled donating candy canes for the holiday tree lighting and expressed frustration at what she described as a lack of support from town officials in recent years.
Supervisor Dan Panico announced the gradual closure of the zoo, citing a $2 million annual cost and animal treatment complaints from former employees and animal welfare groups. The 30-acre Ecology Site itself will remain open for recreation, but the animals will be relocated to sanctuaries such as Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown and Hoyt Farm in Commack.
Supporters are urging the community to contact the Town Board and speak at their upcoming meetings scheduled for October 9, 23, and November 6.