[File photo]

A private zoo in Chongqing was ordered to suspend operations after media outlets revealed details of animals’ poor living conditions at the institution.

The zoo, which housed over 20 animals including a lion, black bear and several monkeys, has attracted vitriol online after photos of malnourished animals cowering in small cages were posted online.

In response to public concern over the treatment of the animals, local authorities in the Fuling district of the southwestern city published a notification on Sina Weibo on Feb. 24, stating that the zoo had been shut down.

According to Beijing Youth Daily, the zoo was originally established in the 1970s as a privately owned enterprise. Due to mismanagement and competition from other zoos in the region, the institution has recently faced a shortage of funds, which led to the malnutrition and other issues.

“The monthly income of the zoo is around 8,000 RMB on average. The expense on animals’ food is about 4,000 RMB per month, which is only enough to keep them alive,” said Tan Decai, the owner of the zoo. According to Tan, food for the bear and the monkeys is a thin mixture of corn and rice, while the birds are given rotten vegetables collected from the local market.

Denouncing the public criticism, Tan said the animals were lucky as they only “eat and sleep.”

Local authorities said an investigation into the zoo's operation had been conducted but revealed no other details.

Private zoos have been castigated by the Chinese public in recent years, as incidents of animal abuse and death emerge from such institutions in a seemingly endless stream. In response to the issue, China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued documentation in 2010 banning animal performances as well as the renting of zoos. However, the effect of the mandate has been quite limited.

“Currently, local governments are in charge of approving zoos in China. There is no law regulating the operating entities, so even private owners can establish zoos as long as they meet the minimum requirements,” an anonymous expert told Beijing Youth Daily.