A fourth investigation has been launched into Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch after former and current staff raised concerns over animal welfare.
On Sunday, 1News revealed new details about the deaths of several animals at the park, including a gorilla named Mahali. He died in 2021 after suffering from a rare bacterial infection.
The 1News investigation involved comments from 20 current and former employees at the zoo, who — among other deaths — revealed a newborn giraffe had escaped to an outdoor enclosure and died in 2021.
Orana has disputed the allegations and suggested that some of them are inaccurate, out of context, or missing vital information.
It's been suggested the Ministry for Primary Industries needs to do more to check animals' mental health after revelations about Orana Wildlife Park. (Source: 1News)
The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia, which represents 98 welfare accredited zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks across Australasia — including Orana — today told 1News it will be launching an independent investigation into the park's operations.
"ZAA is in contact with Orana Wildlife Park and is taking immediate steps," the association said in a statement.
"The contents of the media article and broadcast are deeply concerning. Animal welfare is our top priority, as is the safety and welfare of members' staff and animal care teams.
"To better understand what has been recounted by the 1News/TVNZ report, ZAA will be launching an independent investigation into the claims made in relation to Orana Wildlife Park's operations.
"The ZAA Board and Orana Wildlife Park Board are in contact over this very important matter and will be working closely over the coming weeks."
1News’ Thomas Mead spoke to 20 current and former staff who raised animal welfare concerns. (Source: 1News)
ZAA runs a key breeding programme to facilitate the transfer of animals between facilities, as well as a stringent accreditation programme for animal welfare which is required for membership.
READ MORE: Buried trauma: zookeepers expose animal deaths at Orana Wildlife Park
The panel of investigators will include an independent animal welfare expert and an independent people and culture specialist.
In a statement, Orana Wildlife Trust Board spokesperson emeritus professor Ken Hughey today said the park welcomed the review.
"Our gates are open, we welcome any review as a further level of assurance to stakeholders and the public. It would not be appropriate to comment further," he said.
ZAA's review is the fourth since 1News began reporting on the claims against Orana.
Orana Wildlife Park tells zookeepers to put allegations 'aside'
In a leaked email, chief executive Lynn Anderson advised her staff to put "aside" safety, animal welfare and toxic workplace claims made by an anonymous informant.
Wed, May 29
Undercover footage: Orana zookeepers fear death in 'unsafe' vehicles
Zookeepers say they are "terrified" while driving vehicles at the Christchurch zoo, saying they won’t offer protection if a lion escapes.
Mon, Jul 22
6:22
Newborn giraffe died in 'human error' at Orana Wildlife Park
The female calf escaped its enclosure shortly after it was born in 2021, and was found dead in the morning by distraught keepers, a 1News investigation shows.
Sun, Jul 21
7:49
It comes after the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) launched a probe into records of animal deaths and injuries at the park.
The Christchurch City Council is looking into the park's finances, while Orana has launched a review into its culture.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
