Dublin Zoo 'vehemently disputes' claims of animal mistreatment and harassment
Dublin ZooDublin Zoo has strongly denied allegations of animal mistreatment, financial irregularities and sexual harassment against workers.These claims were made by People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy under Dail privilege. Mr Murphy highlighted what he termed as "very serious issues at the zoo" while proposing legislation for an emergency inspection at the site.Addressing the Dail on Thursday, Mr Murphy alleged there were "credible allegations of harassment, including sexual harassment, of zoo workers by managers" and "financial irregularities" within the organisation. He also claimed that severe animal welfare issues had resulted in the deaths of numerous animals and the disappearance of entire species from the zoo.The zoo responded by stating that over 50 similar anonymous allegations have been independently investigated in the past three years and were "found to be either unfounded or historic and already resolved", reports the Irish Mirror. It added that these claims formed part of a pattern, which caused "wholly unwarranted reputational harm".In the Dail, Mr Murphy cited animal welfare issues including the death of cheetah cubs after their mother was transferred from Fota Wildlife Park to Dublin Zoo whilst pregnant. He explained that the pregnant cheetah was moved from Fota Wildlife Park to Dublin Zoo on Halloween.He stated: "She gave birth the next day and all the baby cubs are now dead. She should never have been moved when pregnant and also had inexperienced people looking after her."On the topic of harassment, Mr Murphy informed the Dail that a female staff member had repeatedly lodged complaints about being harassed by a male manager who was eventually suspended for four months, but noted: "During that time, he was at least on one occasion sitting outside her house in a car late at night." He revealed that the man remains a senior member of staff, while the woman has been made redundant.He also mentioned that she had suffered a brick being thrown through her window and her car tyres being slashed. Adding to this, he said: "In another incident, three female members of staff were sexually harassed by a male manager at a conference."A subsequent HR investigation confirmed three instances of harassment. He is still a senior manager at the zoo."Mr Murphy also alleged that he had "documentary proof" of financial irregularities at the zoo. This, he said, included what he termed as "the misallocation of funds" to construct an extension to the zoo director's house."To cap it all, there is a lack of concern and a total lack of proper oversight by the State over any of this."In response, Dublin Zoo stated: "Dublin Zoo vehemently disputes the allegations made today in the Dail and objects, in the strongest possible terms, also to the manner in which these claims have been raised without any prior engagement with the zoo. The assertions are either wholly misleading, completely false, or contain inaccurate and unsubstantiated clinical assessments."Mr Murphy stated the zoo workers are "outraged at the neglect and mistreatment of animals" at the institution, which he attributed to understaffing and inadequate training in most instances. He highlighted a recent example involving the "deaths of all the African wild dogs", members of an endangered species about whom the NPWS had raised concerns three years prior.The stone lettering in the wall outside entrance to Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park, Dublin"This time, welfare concerns raised by experienced zookeepers weren't investigated in time and all the dogs died. One dog had cancer in the mouth that was left untreated and had to be put down. Before it died, it got no medication or medical intervention."Another was pregnant and became very swollen. Her lungs and heart became filled with fluid. She never recovered after being administered an anaesthetic and died. That species is now gone from the zoo."Mr Murphy revealed that all wolves at the zoo were also "put down after a health check". "Other animal deaths have included four bongo antelopes and a black buck or Indian antelope whose leg was snapped in half and left hanging on by a ligament after being inappropriately transported in a horsebox. This is a very small, fragile antelope who should never have been moved so roughly."Mr Murphy also alleged that elephants had perished after being sedated. "Two of them died from stress, and the rest of the remaining herd developed herpes, reactivated by stress."Mr Murphy alleged that none of the issues he highlighted had been "properly investigated", despite being brought to the attention of management, human resources, as well as the charity regulator, the National Parks and Wildlife Services and the gardai. He informed the Dail that journalists who questioned the issues have "been met with legal letters".He further stated: "One journalist received no fewer than 11 legal letters, including a letter sent to their entire workplace." In response to a media enquiry, Dublin Zoo refuted the animal welfare allegations and stated it had been acknowledged for its quality of care.The zoo emphasised that animal welfare is its "highest priority" and added that it operates under extensive regulation and oversight, including regular inspections. It also mentioned that the credibility of the main claims had been challenged by NPWS inspectors.Dublin Zoo also denied any misappropriation of charity funds, stating that it operates "within a robust governance framework with clearly defined internal financial controls". While it said it could not comment on individual HR matters, it assured that any concerns "are addressed in accordance with best practice".Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. 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