Allegations of animal mistreatment made by an alleged Dublin Zoo whistleblower will be investigated, it has been confirmed.
A spokesman for the Department of Housing, which oversees Dublin Zoo, told Dublin Live that "a full investigation of the allegations will be undertaken by the Department’s zoo inspection and licensing unit."
The Zoo has "vehemently disputed" the claims and told Dublin Live that it "had called for an independent investigation into these allegations."
It also said it "welcomes the decision of the Zoos inspectorate, based in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), to carry out an independent investigation of the allegations."
Senator Annie Hoey told the Seanad earlier this month that she has had meetings with "both former and current staff members of Dublin Zoo" who made claims to her "a number of breaches of freedoms for animals" at the Zoo. The Senator said "the most detailed accounts" of such alleged breaches were recently made to her by a whistleblower via protected disclosure.
"Regarding animal welfare violations in Dublin Zoo I have been told by the whistleblower that there has been serious welfare issues, near misses, safety and management concerns at Dublin Zoo," Senator Hoey told the Seanad.
Senator Hoey got emotional as she began speaking about the case of the famous Harry the Gorilla.
"I want to tell you about Harry, the silverback gorilla, and I think we all know Harry because he was one of the most famous attractions in the zoo all...
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