Gardaí probe alleged animal welfare issues at Dublin Zoo
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Gardaí are investigating claims of alleged animal welfare concerns at Dublin Zoo. It follows a second protected disclosure made by a whistleblower at the zoo.
In 2022, the whistleblower initially raised several animal welfare concerns which were investigated but not upheld.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service carried out the first investigation on foot of the whistleblower’s original protected disclosure. That investigation concluded in 2022 and found that the majority of the 23 allegations about Dublin Zoo were “unfounded”.
The report, which was published online, said of the 23 allegations: “Seventeen were considered to be ‘unfounded with no evidence supplied to support the narrative of the allegation’.
“Two were found to have ‘no basis or evidence to even substantiate the allegation’.
“Three were classed as ‘some evidence was found supporting a historical allegation, but Dublin Zoo had already resolved the case’ with changes in ‘process, facility or management’.”
A statement by Dublin Zoo at the time said “it has been determined by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) that there is no evidence to support the allegations of ongoing serious welfare breaches at Dublin Zoo”.
At the time, the employee provided a protected disclosure to Senator Annie Hoey who raised the allegations in the Seanad.
The has now learned that the whistleblower made a similar and detailed statement to gardaí last year. Since then, two further Dublin Zoo staff members have raised concerns for the animals.
Gardaí have appointed an investigating officer to examine the claims further, but as yet there is no indication that they will uncover wrongdoing.
The Charities Regulator was also asked last December to examine the whistleblower concerns. The body oversees the regulation of charities, and Dublin Zoo is a registered charity.
Dublin South-West TD Paul Murphy also previously raised some of the concerns in the Dáil, saying a zebra at Dublin Zoo was shot by an unlicensed member of staff.
The garda press office said: “In general, An Garda Síochána is precluded by law from commenting on any matters that may have been the subject of a protected disclosure or disclosures.”
Dublin Zoo did not respond to the ’s questions.