MPSP opens investigation to investigate general management of the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo in Sorocaba

'Quinzinho de Barros' Municipal Zoo, in Sorocaba (SP) — Photo: Sorocaba City Hall/Disclosure

The Public Ministry of São Paulo (MPSP) opened a new investigation to investigate the general conditions of all enclosures at the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo, in Sorocaba (SP). The investigation request was signed on September 22.

The new document requires Sorocaba City Hall to clarify, within 20 days, the actions taken by the park administration, in addition to providing accounts regarding the installation of a screen in the former enclosure of the elephant Sandro.

Unlike other previously opened processes, which focused on specific care for some animals, now the MPSP has defined an investigation for the entire management of the Zoo.

Regarding the screen installed after Sandro's transfer to a sanctuary, the MP questions the public purpose of this installation and the relevance of this expense given the zoo's spending priorities for conservation and animal welfare.

Screen installed at the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo, in Sorocaba (SP), remembers the passage of the elephant Sandro through the place — Photo: TV TEM/Reproduction

Another topic mentioned is the management of the venue's box office. Since the beginning of 2026, entry to the park has been free, however, the MPSP seeks to investigate the security measures adopted during the free period and understand if there are any measures to control visitors.

Prosecutor Jorge Marum, responsible for the case, also demanded clarification of the following topics:

Frequency and effectiveness of carrying out environmental education activities, such as guided tours and night visits;

Transparency in administrative management;

Update of the concession process;

Maintenance and adaptation of Sandro the elephant's enclosure after transfer;

Presence of vultures in some enclosures;

Inventory with the identification of all species housed at the Zoo.

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Finally, for the investigation to continue, the MPSP demands that the City Hall, the Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics of the State of São Paulo (Semil) and Ibama present documentation on inspections, licenses and studies relating to the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo.

Sorocaba Zoo turns 58 years old — Photo: Disclosure

Previous investigations

In September 2025, the MPSP requested action from the Environmental Police and explanations from the City of Sorocaba (SP) about a possible case of mistreatment against the bear that lives at the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo.

At the time, the public body took into account videos published on social networks that showed the enclosure used by the bear with several vultures.

Public Ministry gives deadline for the City of Sorocaba (SP) to respond to complaints of mistreatment of bears at the municipal zoo — Photo: Reproduction

On August 31, 2026, prosecutor Jorge Marum opened another civil investigation related to the bear's well-being conditions, but this time focusing on maintaining the space allocated to the animal, as it was apparently inadequate, small, stuffy, dirty and with few environmental enrichment strategies.

The transfer of the elephant Sandro was also the result of a process that began with a civil inquiry at the Public Ministry.

Plaque in Sandro's enclosure, at Sorocaba zoo, informs about the elephant's species — Photo: Mariana Campos/Sorocaba City Hall

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