Dublin Zoo has emphatically denied accusations claiming that an unauthorised employee shot a zebra dead. The allegations were laid out in the Dáil by Paul Murphy, a TD for People Before Profit. He claimed that the event transpired last week and the zebra was put down using a firearm, rather than the standard method of euthanasia through injection, typically administered by a licensed veterinarian.
Murphy noted that the animal posed no imminent danger to the public. He also pointed out that the incident brings into question several serious issues related to the zoo’s operation.
Dublin Zoo, however, contested these claims. They stated that the zebra, a 26-year-old male named Striker, was euthanised compassionately following a decision made in adherence with globally accepted best practices in zoo animal welfare. The zoo’s statement clarified that the euthanisation was executed in the most humane and most appropriate method ensuring Striker’s swift and merciful departure.
The zoo refuted the notion that the procedure was performed by an unauthorised staff member, labelling these claims as being ‘entirely incorrect and without any foundation’.
The allegations led Mr Murphy to call for a fresh independent investigation into Dublin Zoo. He drew attention to a past investigation that followed allegations made in the Dáil and Seanad, resulting from protected disclosures.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) had conducted an inquiry in 2022 that deemed most of the 23 allegations unfounded. Evidence was found to uphold three historical allegations, after which the zoo acted accordingly, resolving the case and implementing necessary changes.
Taoiseach Simon Harris revealed his lack of awareness about the situation, emphasizing its seriousness. He subsequently promised Murphy that he would request a report from the relevant governmental department. He also mentioned that while Dublin Zoo operates independently, it does receive state funding.