Chimpanzee cries heard across Swieqi in dire rooftop conditions
Momentum reports that residents in Swieqi have had to hear a chimpanzee cry on several occasions, as it is kept in dire conditions in a cage on the rooftop of a property in Swieqi. Matters are made worse with the terrifying gale-force winds battering Malta, leaving this poor animal confined on the rooftop. Photos show how the cladding is being dismantled into pieces with the strong winds (see attached). Momentum had reported these illegalities that led to a disgraceful €2-per-day fine and allowed the structure to remain.
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent, social wild animals that cannot thrive in isolation or in confined, artificial environments. Reports to Animal Welfare have proved futile, since the standard answer is that they deal only with domestic pets. We need clarification on what checks were carried out, whether all registered animals were physically inspected and whether valid documentation under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species was verified in each case. Moreover, how can a licence for a wild animal be issued if the structure in which it is kept is not regularised by the Planning Authority?
Katya Compagno, executive member of Momentum, said, “Wild animals experience stress, trauma, and behavioural disorders when deprived of adequate space, social interaction, and environmental enrichment. Authorities must therefore assess more than basic physical survival, but also its psychological and emotional well-being. The public deserves to know whether this chimpanzee is living in conditions that respect its complex needs as a sentient being.”
This case once again highlights the urgent need for systemic reform in how Malta regulates exotic and wild animals possession. Momentum proposes the following measures:
- Introduce a Positive List of species permitted to be kept in Malta, clearly defining which animals are allowed and prohibiting all others by default.
- Establish mandatory, unannounced inspections of zoos, private collections, and wildlife parks.
- Ensure greater transparency in the licensing process for exotic animals, including public access to information on permits and compliance.
- Launch criminal investigations into any exotic animal trade potentially linked to organised crime or money laundering.
Compagno added, “Malta cannot continue operating in regulatory grey zones when it comes to wild animals. The safety of the public and the well-being of animals must take precedence over private interests.”
Momentum will continue to monitor this case closely and insists that authorities act swiftly and transparently.
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