Amman: Agriculture Minister Saeb Khuraisat on Wednesday stated that repeated health and regulatory violations have resulted in the closure of the Black Iris Zoo to visitors. The zoo's management had been given time to address these deficiencies, but issues persisted.
According to Jordan News Agency, during a meeting of the Parliamentary Agriculture and Water Committee, chaired by MP Ahmed Shdeifat, Khuraisat highlighted the most serious violations. These included the absence of a full-time veterinarian, non-compliance with animal housing requirements, and allowing direct contact between visitors and animals. The minister specified that the closure only affects visitor admissions and assured that the care of animals at the facility remains unaffected, with veterinary and animal welfare services continuing without interruption.
Khuraisat emphasized the Ministry of Agriculture's commitment to enforcing all health and veterinary regulations to protect public health and ensure adherence to established standards. The meeting saw committee members discussing various issues related to the agricultural sector, such as support for farmers, agricultural development, and the role of universities in advancing scientific research and innovation.
Committee Chair Ahmed Shdeifat stressed the importance of oversight in the agricultural and environmental sectors to protect the public interest and ensure compliance with health and veterinary requirements. The minister also pointed out the ministry's ongoing support for smart agriculture and hydroponic farming projects, efforts to protect agricultural land, and the issuance of certificates of origin to safeguard farmers' rights and verify product sources.
Acting Director General of the National Agricultural Research Center Zakaria Moslem called for enhanced cooperation among government institutions, universities, and the agricultural sector to promote innovation, expand applied scientific research, and improve agricultural productivity. Deans of agricultural colleges from various universities also emphasized the necessity of integrating artificial intelligence and digital transformation into agricultural education and research to prepare graduates for emerging scientific and technological advancements.