Dublin Zoo has said that it has been vindicated following an independent report which has found allegations of mistreatment made against them to be “unfounded”.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has this week published an investigation into allegations which were made by a whistleblower last summer. The whistleblower's claims were brought to the attention of the Seanad by Labour senator Annie Hoey in July, who read out excerpts from a whistleblower regarding the zoo.
The allegations included claims outlining serious welfare issues, near misses and safety and management concerns. When the allegations were made public in July, Dublin Zoo said in a statement that it "vehemently denies" the allegations, and it called for an independent investigation.
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An investigation team from the National Parks and Wildlife Service then began examining 23 allegations which were identified. In its report, it ultimately found that 17 out of the 23 allegations made about the zoo were “unfounded”.
Out of the 23 allegations, one was "considered to be supported as per the stated allegation" which related to a habitat for a red panda at the Zoo, and concerns that it was not meeting recommendations of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria best practice guidelines. Two other allegations were deemed to have "no basis or evidence to even substantiate the allegation”.
For three other allegations, evidence was found supporting a historical "allegation”. However, Dublin Zoo was found to have already resolved the case with changes in “process, facility or management” regarding this case.
In the report, the National Parks and Wildlife Service noted that their investigation team found that Dublin Zoo had "had high standards that promoted animal welfare in their vision and mission." A spokeswoman for Dublin Zoo said the report “vindicates and reaffirms that animal welfare is our number one priority and the foundation stone of all that we do”.
She said: "Only the highest standards of animal care are acceptable at Dublin Zoo, and our hard-working and passionate colleagues are testament to this. Issues raised by members of staff regarding animal welfare at Dublin Zoo are treated with the utmost sensitivity and seriousness and are thoroughly investigated.
"Any disclosures are investigated immediately and rectified where appropriate. Staff can make animal welfare related disclosures through their team, Dublin Zoo management or anonymously," she added.
A number of recommendations and conditions were made in the report, which Dublin Zoo said that it "fully accepts" and will implement.
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