MPI Animal welfare staff are conducting a “rapid assessment” of Orana Wildlife Park following staff allegations regarding the park’s operations.
A One News investigation led by Christchurch reporter Thomas Mead, revealed that a gorilla died of an infection at the park in 2021 after a manager ignored keepers’ pleas to get him vet treatment.
It was just one in a series of issues raised in the investigation.
Ministry for Primary Industries compliance and response director Glen Burrell said “MPI has animal welfare staff onsite at Orana Wildlife Park today to undertake an initial and rapid assessment of conditions at the zoo following the latest allegations made by staff about its operation.
“We want to be assured that all animals are well and healthy.
“The zoo is subject to robust annual verifications from our staff (against the Zoo Containment Facility Standard), alongside regular visits from our people. The latest verification report in December 2023 found the zoo was meeting requirements, with staffing at appropriate levels and no animal welfare issues identified.
“MPI has investigated the zoo five times for historical complaints dating back to 2017 and has not found any breaches of the Animal Welfare Act. We have one active investigation into an incident involving an antelope and we cannot comment further at this point” Burrell said.
“We’re committed to animal welfare and if we find any issues from our rapid assessment, we will ask the zoo to take actions to ensure animals are protected. The public can be assured there is strong system in place for monitoring zoos and their operations.
We expect to report back on the rapid assessment within two days.”
