Payo Obispo Zoo Shut Down After Rain Damage

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Payo Obispo Zoo has closed indefinitely after recent heavy rains severely damaged its facilities, rendering them inoperable just months after a costly municipal investment. The closure has sparked public frustration as residents question the lack of foresight in the project's planning and execution.

Poor Planning Leads to Wasted Investment

The zoo, located in Othón P. Blanco municipality, had recently undergone significant renovations funded by the local government. However, the infrastructure failed to withstand seasonal rainfall, leaving the site unusable. Critics argue that the administration, led by Mayor Yensunni Martínez, neglected to implement adequate protective measures despite the region's well-documented weather patterns.

"The lack of planning is evident," the report states. "Despite knowing the area's climate, the municipal administration did not consider protective infrastructure or proper protocols to safeguard the facility." No clear solution or recovery plan has been presented, leaving the investment effectively lost.

Political Opportunism Amid Crisis

Héctor Pérez Rivero, a local official, has drawn criticism for leveraging the situation to boost his public profile rather than addressing urgent community needs. His frequent media appearances and social media engagement have been interpreted as a political maneuver, with some suggesting he is positioning himself as Martínez's successor.

Meanwhile, the municipal government has faced backlash for prioritizing publicity over tangible relief efforts. Heavy rains have flooded neighborhoods, collapsed roads, and left entire communities isolated, yet the administration's response has been widely perceived as inadequate.

Compounding Crises

The suspension of garbage collection due to inclement weather has further exacerbated the situation, raising concerns about potential public health risks if action is not taken promptly. The accumulation of errors and perceived indifference has reinforced the impression of a government more focused on image management than addressing pressing issues.

Residents of Chetumal continue to express dissatisfaction as the zoo's closure becomes yet another example of mismanagement and wasted resources under the current administration.