Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi (LFI) Pledges to Close Lyon Zoo if Elected Mayor in 2026
Lyon, February 3 – Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi, the La France Insoumise (LFI) candidate for the 2026 municipal elections in Lyon, has announced a radical commitment to permanently close the Lyon Zoo located in Parc de la Tête d’Or if she is elected. This declaration was made public on Monday, February 2, through the animal welfare association PAZ, with whom Belouassa-Cherifi has signed a comprehensive charter.
A Radical Stance on Animal Welfare
The future of the zoo, which houses numerous wild animals including the famous giraffes, was a prominent issue during the 2020 municipal campaign. After six years of an ecologist mandate, the PAZ association continues to advocate for its definitive closure. Belouassa-Cherifi is the first candidate in the 2026 campaign to take such a firm stance, a move that is expected to be welcomed by animal rights activists.
Credited with 8 to 9 percent of voting intentions in current polls, Belouassa-Cherifi’s commitment to close the zoo is part of a broader animal welfare charter. This charter, fully endorsed by the LFI candidate, promotes a “city that takes animal welfare seriously.”
Key Commitments of the Animal Welfare Charter
The charter signed by Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi includes several key commitments:
- Implementation of a dedicated budget for animal welfare.
- Prohibition of animal fairs.
- Exclusion of foie gras from public procurement.
- Non-use of glue traps.
- Non-use of traditional fireworks.
- Cessation of pony rides in public spaces.
The central pledge, however, remains the definitive closure of the zoo. “I commit to closing these animal captivity sites by proposing a transition calendar with a deadline, providing for: the immediate cessation of reproduction and new acquisitions, the placement of animals in shelters when places are available; with financial participation from the city for placement; and with a closing date during the mandate,” the LFI candidate stated in her signed commitment.
Discussions with Current Mayor, Silence from Other Candidates
The PAZ association has indicated that it is engaged in discussions with current mayor Grégory Doucet and his campaign team. In mid-January, several PAZ members protested outside the mayor-candidate’s meeting to urge him to permanently close the zoo. The association recently criticized the unannounced transfer of an Amur leopard from Lyon to the Mulhouse zoo.
Conversely, Jean-Michel Aulas, another prominent figure, has not responded to the association’s inquiries despite multiple attempts, according to Audrey Dubois, PAZ’s campaign manager. PAZ had previously published an opinion piece on actu Lyon, appealing to all candidates to support the definitive closure of the zoo.
Background of the Lyon Zoo
The Lyon Zoo, situated within the vast Parc de la Tête d’Or, has been a subject of debate for several years. Animal welfare organizations argue that keeping wild animals in captivity is unethical and that resources should be directed towards conservation efforts in natural habitats or reputable sanctuaries. Proponents of the zoo often highlight its role in education, research, and species preservation programs.
The current mayor, Grégory Doucet, has previously clarified his position, stating that he would not close the Parc de la Tête d’Or zoo. This makes Belouassa-Cherifi’s commitment a significant departure from the incumbent’s stance and sets a clear distinction for voters concerned with animal rights.
Implications for the 2026 Municipal Elections
Belouassa-Cherifi’s radical proposal is likely to resonate with a segment of the electorate that prioritizes animal welfare and environmental issues. Her commitment could galvanize support from voters who feel that previous administrations have not gone far enough in addressing these concerns. The upcoming municipal elections in 2026 are shaping up to be a multifaceted contest, with animal welfare emerging as a key electoral theme.
The debate surrounding the zoo’s future is not isolated to Lyon. Similar discussions are taking place in cities across France and beyond, reflecting a growing societal awareness and concern for animal rights. Belouassa-Cherifi’s bold stance positions her as a leading voice in this evolving conversation.
The LFI candidate’s engagement with PAZ and her explicit pledge to close the zoo represent a clear policy direction for her campaign. As the 2026 municipal elections draw closer, this issue is expected to generate further public discussion and may influence voter decisions in Lyon.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-municipales-2026-anais-belouassa-cherifi-lfi-fait-une-proposition-radicale-pour-le-zoo_63781829.html
