Animal welfare investigators have found no immediate concerns for animals at Orana Wildlife Park and say alleged complaints are historical.

MPI animal welfare investigators were back at the park today to complete their rapid assessment of its operation.

It followed a One News investigation into the park from previous and current staff raising concerns about the welfare of animals.

MPI investigated “the welfare of each animal and assessing the zoo’s systems and protocols, including staffing, to ensure they are fit for purpose.”

MPI’s director of compliance and response, Glen Burrell said “To date we have not identified any immediate animal welfare or staffing issues, noting we have one active investigation underway at the zoo related to a previous complaint about an antelope.”

“As part of our work, we have required the zoo to provide us with its records, including all deaths and injuries to animals and what follow-up actions were taken.”

“While the complaints about the zoo appear largely historical, they are serious in nature, and we will be undertaking more regular checks of the zoo’s performance against its animal welfare requirements.

These checks will take place at least quarterly, instead of annually, and will increase in frequency if we find evidence of animal welfare issues.”

“In the meantime, we encourage anyone with information related to animal welfare concerns at the zoo to contact us so that we can investigate in the best interests of the animals. You can either make a complaint online or make a free call to 0800 00 8333.”