"People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy highlighted a range of "very serious issues at the zoo" as he introduced legislation to call for an emergency inspection at the site. Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, Mr Murphy said there were "credible allegations of harassment, including sexual harassment, of zoo workers by managers" as well as "financial irregularities" within the organisation. He also said very serious animal welfare issues had culminated in the deaths of numerous animals and the disappearance of whole species from the zoo."
"On harassment, Mr Murphy told the Dáil that a female staff member repeatedly complained about being harassed by a male manager who was eventually suspended for four months, but said: "During that time, he was at least on one occasion sitting outside her house in a car late at night." He said the man is still a member of staff."
Allegations include harassment, including sexual harassment of zoo workers by managers, and financial irregularities within the organisation. Serious animal welfare failures reportedly culminated in numerous animal deaths and the disappearance of whole species. A pregnant cheetah moved from Fota Wildlife Park to Dublin Zoo gave birth the next day and all cubs died; the move and inexperienced caretakers were cited as contributing factors. A female staff member reported repeated harassment by a male manager, including being watched outside her home, having a brick thrown through her window, and tyres slashed. Three female staff were sexually harassed at a conference; an HR investigation confirmed three instances. Understaffing and lack of training were linked to neglect.
Read at Irish Independent
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