On July 24, 2026, officers from the Environmental Protection Department conducted an unscheduled inspection at the Klaipėda Zoo and recorded animals whose external condition and visible signs of health disorders raised reasonable doubts about whether they were receiving proper and timely veterinary care.
Read more Elon Musk – a special gift from Ukraine
Due to the recorded condition of the animals, the department turned to independent specialists. After evaluating the provided material, they indicated that some animals require urgent veterinary care, and the condition of some animals is very serious or critical. According to the specialists, the exact causes of the health disorders can only be determined by performing a clinical examination and necessary tests.
Preparing for the seizure, veterinarian Rokas Matevičius, assessing the condition of one of the animals – a lion, draws attention to externally visible signs of health disorders.
“Around the lion’s eyes and nostrils, ribs, hips, and other parts of the body, there are noticeable bald patches and skin lesions. General exhaustion and significant weight loss are also observed. Such signs may be related to various health disorders, but the exact cause can only be determined by conducting a thorough veterinary clinical examination and necessary diagnostic tests. Considering the nature of the visible lesions and the overall condition of the animal, there is reason to believe that the animal may be experiencing constant pain and discomfort,” says Rokas Matevičius, veterinarian at the LSMU Wildlife Care Center.
Taking into account the circumstances recorded during the inspection and the specialists’ assessments, the department applied to the court for the seizure of the animals.
Read more Two new cancer drugs reimbursed for women with cancer
During the seizure, specialists from the Wildlife Care Center will assess the condition of the animals, perform clinical and other tests if necessary, and provide the required veterinary care. The seized animals will be temporarily placed under the care of the LSMU Wildlife Care Center.
Some animals may need to be sedated (put to sleep) before examination, tests, or transportation for their own and the specialists’ safety. Sedation and transportation may pose a higher risk of complications for elderly or seriously ill animals.
“In this particular case, both sedation and subsequent transportation
are considered high-risk procedures. Severe complications or the death of the animal during the procedures cannot be ruled out. However, leaving the animal in its current condition without providing necessary veterinary care and without taking measures to reduce its suffering is not acceptable from the perspective of animal welfare. Considering the potential benefit to the animal and the risk, it is necessary to take measures selected by veterinarians, provide the required assistance, and ensure the animal’s welfare,” says Justina Morkūnaitė, head of the LSMU Wildlife Care Center.
The department continues the administrative offense investigation regarding possible animal cruelty. Failure to provide veterinary care when such care is necessary for the animal is also considered cruelty under the Animal Welfare and Protection Act. Decisions regarding the applicable responsibility will be made after the investigation is completed.
