• Popular Christchurch zoo hit with raft of new allegations
• Claims include several animals deaths going unreported, including giraffe found dead in enclosure
• Now, a former volunteer has spoken out, saying she is not surprised by the claims
• Orana Wildlife Trust Board says a ‘thorough review’ is underway

A former Orana Wildlife Park volunteer says she is unsurprised by allegations of poor welfare standards at the Christchurch zoo, claiming the issues are long-standing.

More than 20 serving and former staff members have detailed several animal deaths to 1News, some of which had not previously been reported.

The investigation revealed two giraffes died within two months of each other, one of which dislocated its neck.

The other was a newborn found dead by employees in a neighbouring rhino enclosure, the morning after reportedly arriving unexpectedly.

1News also outlined a gorilla’s death by infection after pleas for treatment were ignored, and an otter that died after it got trapped in a pool suction pipe when the filter cap fell off.

Serena Smith volunteered at the park from 2009 until the end of 2014.

She told NZME she witnessed multiple “eyebrow-raising” moments with animals during her tenure.

Smith recounted when a baby rhino was due to be born, and a conflict among the crash (group) caused an adult male to be injured.

Mabuti the giraffe at Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch in 2018. Photo / Supplied

Despite the wound looking “pretty serious” and in need of proper medical attention, Smith claimed the issue got “shoved aside by management”.

“They were like ‘it will be fine, just add ointment to it’,” she said.

The former volunteer said understaffing was a major issue during her time at Orana, and it was clear the “lack of staff and attention really affected the animals and their care”.

Smith said she chose to leave then because issues were worsening, and it’s clear since then those problems have gone unaddressed and worsened.

“I’m not surprised at all ... but part of me is hurt, upset, angry and frustrated at how bad things have gotten.”

She said she was brought to tears after seeing recent images from past and present staffers of specific animal welfare incidents and injuries.

“I absolutely cried ... especially seeing the gorilla, that really upset me ... seeing the pain in his face.”

However, she acknowledged it was not the fault of keepers, who were doing their best and trying to get the animal the medical attention it required.

Smith hopes the investigations “open up people’s eyes”, and the public will stop supporting its operations.

She said that included Christchurch City Council, which recently committed $1.5 million in funding for the wildlife park over three years.

She said cash was “pointless” when it did not guarantee the safety of animals.

Smith believes the best way forward is an outright closure.

She thinks animals should be homed in other zoos and given the rehab they need.

“If there are animals that can’t be transferred, at least put them down, just so you know they’re out of their misery.”

Orana Wildlife Trust Board says it takes the matters raised seriously and that “staff welfare remains paramount”.

“A thorough review in relation to all matters raised is being conducted and it would not be appropriate to comment further whilst this process is underway,” the board said in a statement.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said animal welfare staff are at the zoo today to “undertake an initial and rapid assessment of conditions at the zoo following the latest allegations made by staff about its operation”.

“We want to be assured that all animals are well and healthy,” said Glen Burrell, MPI director for compliance and response.

“The zoo is subject to robust annual verifications from our staff (against the Zoo Containment Facility Standard), alongside regular visits from our people. The latest verification report in December 2023 found the zoo was meeting requirements, with staffing at appropriate levels and no animal welfare issues identified.

“MPI has investigated the zoo five times for historical complaints dating back to 2017 and has not found any breaches of the Animal Welfare Act. We have one active investigation into an incident involving an antelope and we cannot comment further at this point.

“We’re committed to animal welfare and if we find any issues from our rapid assessment, we will ask the zoo to take actions to ensure animals are protected. The public can be assured there is strong system in place for monitoring zoos and their operations.

“We expect to report back on the rapid assessment within two days.”

Animal welfare advocates earlier called for MPI to step in.

Safe chief executive Debra Ashton said the reported animal deaths were “very concerning”, but acknowledged it was difficult to comment without all the information.

She said she expected MPI to investigate, to ensure the park’s animals “are being taken care of appropriately and that the voices of the staff are being listened to”.

Blake Benny is a Christchurch-based reporter with a focus on tourism and social issues, along with general news.

Blake joined Newstalk ZB in 2022, having previously studied broadcast journalism at the New Zealand Broadcasting School.

You can contact Blake at [email protected]