Long Island’s largest and most controversial zoo is set to close its doors and ship all its animals off to rescue facilities, as the sanctuary prepares to “wind down” by early next year, officials confirmed Monday.

The Holtsville Ecology Center’s zoo, a Suffolk County taxpayer-funded animal refuge riddled with horrific abuse allegations, will finally be phased out after more than 40 years in operation as Brookhaven town officials look to cut costs and shift focus and funding.

“The operations at the Holtsville sanctuary are going to wind down,” Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico revealed at a special town meeting Monday. 3

“I believe society’s view changes over time, and so must the view of this town, especially if we are going to deliver on the promise of effective and efficient o

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