Pakawi Park faces permit uncertainty and declining visitors

Pakawi Park in Olmen is facing ongoing uncertainty regarding its operating permit, nearly six months after Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare Ben Weyts questioned its status. The permit dispute began in March following inspections that identified deficiencies in hygiene, the safety of certain animal enclosures, and a lack of qualified staff.

Management reports that this lack of clarity is negatively impacting visitor numbers, with attendance this summer being lower than the same period last year. Despite the situation, the park is continuing to invest in animal welfare and infrastructure. Recent improvements include the expansion of ‘Monkey Island’ to provide a more natural environment for primates and increased fencing around big cat enclosures to address previous safety concerns.

Curator Robby Van den Leeuwenberg stated that the park is implementing an action plan to address the identified issues step by step. The park management maintains a constructive dialogue with the Animal Welfare service and expressed confidence in a positive outcome.