Calls for inquiry into Dublin Zoo after concerns raised in Seanad

Dublin Zoo has vehemently denied allegations raised in the Seanad on Thursday (July 14) about animal welfare issues and safety and management concerns.

Labour Senator Annie Hoey brought up concerns raised about the Zoo by former and current staff members as well as detailed accounts issued by a whistleblower via protected disclosure. The Senator was speaking during a Green Party motion on animal welfare.

Senator Hoey divulged that through extensive engagement with staff of the business, she had been made aware of "a number of breaches" of the five freedoms of animal welfare. "I’ve been told by the whistleblower that there’s been serious welfare issues, near misses, safety and management concerns at Dublin Zoo," Hoey added.

Dublin Zoo responded to allegations, saying they "vehemently" dispute the allegations of neglect made against them and "objects in the strongest possible terms to the manner in which these allegations have been made without any engagement with Dublin Zoo."

In a statement to The Irish Times, the company said the allegations were "wholly misleading and contain inaccurate clinical assessments.

"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."

The Zoo added they would extend an invitation to Senator Hoey to visit the zoo and discuss the allegations.

Discussing the mistreatment of zoo animals, Senator Hoey read a protected disclosure to the Seanad detailing allegations about the treatment of Maeve, the giraffe who died last month and was featured on TV series The Zoo earlier this year.

Hoey said what she had read out was "only a snapshot of the stories" that had been shared with her about the animal welfare concerns. "I have pages and pages and pages of testimony from both current and former staff," the senator added.

Speaking about the controversy on FM104, Dublin City Councillor Nial Ring said an investigation now needs to take place into the management of Dublin Zoo following these disturbing claims made by the whistle blower.

Councillor Nial Ring has reacted to the news saying this is "unacceptable" behaviour within the organisation.

The councillor is calling for a full investigation into Dublin Zoo and has made a request for a full public inquiry into how the zoo is run.

Senator Hoey has said she will be engaging with the relevant Minister, department and committees on behalf of the whistleblower.