Dublin Zoo Faces Serious Allegations of Harassment and Animal Deaths

Allegations of sexual harassment against staff and mistreatment of animals at Dublin Zoo have come to light during a recent session of the Dáil. Paul Murphy, a member of the People Before Profit party, highlighted serious concerns, prompting a call for an emergency inspection of the facility.

During his address on Thursday, Mr. Murphy outlined what he described as “very serious issues at the zoo.” He reported credible allegations of harassment, including sexual harassment, directed at zoo workers by management. Additionally, he mentioned financial irregularities within the organization, which he claims have contributed to significant animal welfare problems, resulting in the deaths of several animals and the disappearance of species from the zoo.

One specific allegation involved the tragic deaths of cheetah cubs, which Mr. Murphy claimed occurred after a pregnant cheetah was moved from Fota Wildlife Park to Dublin Zoo on Halloween. The cheetah gave birth the following day, but all the cubs subsequently died. “She should never have been moved when pregnant and also had inexperienced people looking after her,” Mr. Murphy stated.

The claims of harassment are equally troubling. Mr. Murphy detailed an incident involving a female staff member who repeatedly complained about harassment by a male manager. Although the manager was suspended for four months, he allegedly continued to intimidate her, even sitting outside her home late at night. Mr. Murphy added that the manager remains employed at the zoo. In another case, three female staff members reported sexual harassment by the same male manager during a conference. An internal HR investigation confirmed these incidents, yet the individual still holds a senior position at the zoo.

The concerns extend beyond staff treatment; animal welfare issues have also been raised. Mr. Murphy cited the deaths of all the African wild dogs, a critically endangered species, as a recent example of neglect. He indicated that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) had raised concerns three years ago, which went unaddressed, leading to the dogs’ demise. One dog was reportedly suffering from untreated cancer, while another, who was pregnant, died after complications following anesthesia.

Mr. Murphy continued to shed light on other troubling incidents, including the deaths of wolves at the zoo following health checks and the distressing fate of bongo antelopes and a black buck. He recounted how one antelope sustained a severe leg injury due to improper transportation. Additionally, he mentioned that two elephants died from stress after being drugged, with the remaining herd developing health issues linked to their stress.

The allegations of financial misconduct at Dublin Zoo were also alarming. Mr. Murphy claimed to have “documentary proof” of misallocated funds, including money used to construct an extension to the zoo director’s residence. He criticized the apparent lack of oversight from state authorities regarding these issues, stating that none of the concerns raised had been adequately investigated despite multiple complaints directed at management, human resources, and regulatory bodies.

Moreover, Mr. Murphy noted that journalists investigating these matters have faced legal threats, with one reporter receiving as many as eleven legal letters, including correspondence sent to their entire workplace.

Dublin Zoo has yet to respond to these serious allegations. As these claims continue to unfold, the situation raises important questions about animal welfare and workplace safety within one of Ireland’s most beloved institutions.