Buenos Aires zoo prepares to close

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Buenos Aires zoo prepares to move thousands of animals as it closes its doors to become an ecopark after a series of scandals.

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Buenos Aires zoo has been plagued by scandals over the conditions of its animals and its facilities.

Now, after 140 years, the zoo is closing to make way for a brand new ecological park.

A complicated process is underway to move most of its 2,500 animal inhabitants to parks and reserves elsewhere in the country.

About 50 animals, including an orangutan previously at the centre of a legal battle to secure her release will remain because it's too risky or not possible to rehome them.

The zoo was once one of the Argentinian capital's top tourist attractions.

Falling visitor numbers and revenues reportedly hit maintenance of enclosures and infrastructure, causing some of its animals to suffer.

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