Orana Wildlife Park Pauses New Animal Arrivals Following Whistleblower Report
Orana Wildlife Park Halts New Animal Arrivals Amidst Welfare Concerns
Christchurch, New Zealand – Orana Wildlife Park will temporarily cease accepting new animals for the next six months as it implements recommendations from two independent reviews triggered by whistleblower allegations. The reviews,commissioned by the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) and the Orana Wildlife Trust Board,focused on animal welfare and workplace culture at the Christchurch zoo.
While the full reports remain unreleased, the board has published a summary titled “Future Focused,” outlining key findings and proposed actions.
“We are committed to adopting all recommendations from both reviews,” stated Professor Ken Hughey, co-chair of the Orana Wildlife Trust Board. “This includes a temporary pause on all incoming animal transfers to allow us to focus on current operations and implement necessary changes.”
The ZAA inquiry, conducted by a panel of experts including an Australian ZAA board member, an independent animal welfare specialist, and a workplace culture consultant, recommended several key actions:
Animal Welfare Accreditation Plan: Orana Wildlife Park must develop a thorough plan outlining it’s commitment to animal welfare and submit it to the ZAA for review.
Improved Infrastructure and Safety: The park will undertake budget planning and policy reviews to enhance asset management, maintenance, and site safety planning.
* Culture Review: A full review of the association’s culture, including an independent governance assessment, will be conducted.
The reviews were prompted by a 1News investigation that raised concerns about animal welfare and deaths at the park. Former and current zookeepers alleged that some animal deaths, including a gorilla succumbing to an infection, a giraffe with a dislocated neck, and an otter trapped in a pool suction pipe, were not publicly disclosed.
While a Ministry for Primary Industries assessment found the park ”fit for purpose” with no immediate animal welfare concerns, WorkSafe issued improvement notices following an assessment that identified shortcomings in the zoo’s health and safety processes and vehicle maintenance.
The Orana Wildlife Trust Board is actively seeking a new chief executive following Lynn Anderson’s departure after 28 years at the helm. The board also expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Christchurch City Council, which is conducting a separate financial and governance review of the park.
The temporary halt on new animal arrivals signals a notable step towards addressing the concerns raised and ensuring the well-being of the animals currently residing at Orana Wildlife Park.
Orana wildlife Park Halts New Animal Arrivals Amidst Welfare Concerns: An interview with Professor Ken Hughey
NewsDirectory3.com: professor Hughey, thank you for joining us today. Can you shed some light on teh decision to halt new animal arrivals at Orana Wildlife Park?
Professor Ken Hughey: The decision was made after careful consideration of the recommendations from two independent reviews, commissioned by both the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) and the Orana Wildlife Trust Board.These reviews, focusing on animal welfare and workplace culture, lead us to prioritize the well-being of the animals currently under our care.
NewsDirectory3.com: What specific concerns prompted these reviews?
Professor Ken Hughey: The reviews where initiated in response to whistleblower allegations and a subsequent media examination. While the full reports are not yet public, the board has released a summary outlining key findings.
NewsDirectory3.com: Can you elaborate on the recommendations outlined in the summary and how Orana Wildlife Park plans to address them?
Professor Ken Hughey: The ZAA inquiry recommends several key actions, including the advancement of a complete Animal welfare Accreditation Plan, improvements to infrastructure and safety protocols, and a full culture review. The board is committed to adopting all recommendations from both reviews and is actively working on their implementation.
NewsDirectory3.com: How long will this pause on new animal arrivals remain in effect?
Professor Ken Hughey: The pause is expected to last for six months, allowing us to focus on current operations and implement the necessary changes.
NewsDirectory3.com: What message do you want to convey to the public regarding Orana Wildlife Park’s commitment to animal welfare?
Professor ken Hughey: The well-being of the animals in our care is our utmost priority. We are taking these steps to ensure we meet the highest standards of animal welfare and provide a safe and enriching environment for the animals entrusted to us. We are committed to transparency and accountability throughout this process and will continue to update the public on our progress.