Dublin Zoo disputes mistreatment allegations

Dublin Zoo has stated it “vehemently disputes” allegations elevated in the Seanad about the mistreatment of animals.

In a statement, the Zoo stated it is extensively recognised as obtaining a earth-renowned conventional of animal treatment, describing the allegations as upsetting.

Labour’s Annie Hoey yesterday informed the Seanad that she has been speaking with present and former employees users of the zoo who have advised her of welfare breaches.

She also stated the most specific accounts have occur from a whisteblower through a protected disclosure, outlining severe welfare challenges, around misses and security and management concerns.

Nonetheless, Dublin Zoo mentioned the statements have unfairly undermined “the remarkable really hard perform and determination of Dublin Zoo’s really dedicated crew of staff members and volunteers who are living and breathe Dublin Zoo’s purpose, mandate and animal welfare, on a day-to-day basis”.

The senator yesterday study from the safeguarded disclosure, detailing the case of a woman zebra who died from problems following a tooth extraction in December 2020.

“The tooth was extracted, and the animal was seriously paralysed when she arrived around from the anaesthetic. Staff had been incredibly distraught after witnessing the zebra’s treatment method,” she browse.

“They felt they couldn’t increase issues for concern of reprisals,” she extra.

The senator also outlined the case of a giraffe, Maeve, who died past thirty day period.

“Maeve was not being observed constantly or remaining assessed to identify her high-quality of daily life.

“Right after her death and postmortem, staff have been known as to a meeting and provided counselling, then instructed to delete any movies of Meave and how she died. In advance of Meave’s death, I saw pics of her gaunt body and her bones sticking out and she was evidently an extremely unwell animal.”

Ms Hoey also told the Seanad of a “important breach of recommendations occurring in the variety of missing animals”.

She said in November 2019 two crested macaws went lacking and presumed useless, earlier this 12 months she claimed a cockatoo escaped, and a white-collared mangabey went lacking.

“The zoo has unsuccessful to stick to any protocols to both retrieve the animals or inform or warn the public to wither retrieve the animals or stop any individual sustaining an damage from one particular of the missing animals,” she claimed.

Dublin Zoo responded declaring they were not contacted to point test.

It explained it would persuade the Senator to see the two most new inspection studies from the Office of Housing, Area Heritage and Governing administration which it mentioned uncovered it to be “a modern facility which, in our belief, is perfectly run and has the welfare of the animals it cares for at the coronary heart of every decision”.

It also invited the senator to Dublin Zoo to go over the allegations.

In an up to date assertion, Dublin Zoo explained it would welcome an investigation into allegations of animal mistreatment and said it will be appointing an “independent animal welfare marketing consultant” to evaluate expectations of animal care and welfare.

It also reported any details garnered from the latest community disclosures really should be referred to the Zoos Inspectors which is based at the Nationwide Parks and Wildlife Assistance.