Orana Wildlife Park Resumes Animal Admissions After Six-Month Pause

After a six-month hiatus, Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch has resumed accepting new animals. This decision comes following a comprehensive review prompted by whistleblower concerns and allegations of a toxic workplace culture. The move marks a significant milestone in the park's journey toward improved animal welfare and operational transparency.

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) initiated an independent investigation at the park in July 2024, while the Orana Wildlife Trust Board commissioned Culture by Design to assess the park's internal culture. The final report, released in December 2024, outlined necessary improvements in animal welfare processes, organizational systems, health and safety, asset management, and workplace culture.

According to the park, it has now fulfilled all the requirements set by the ZAA, and the pause on incoming animal transfers has been lifted. This development reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to change and improvement, as emphasized by Emeritus Professor Ken Hughey, co-chairperson of the Orana Wildlife Trust Board.

"This is a significant step forward," Hughey stated. "Our team has worked tirelessly to strengthen governance, systems, and processes. The ZAA review has been a catalyst for transformation, and we're proud of the progress made."

Public support has played a crucial role in the park's recovery, Hughey added. "We want to thank the people of Canterbury and beyond for standing by us. Our team are motivated and remain deeply committed to delivering the highest standards of care to our animals."

Looking ahead, the park has launched a five-year vision called Future Focused, aimed at enhancing animal welfare practices, strengthening organizational culture, and ensuring long-term sustainability. A new Animal Welfare Advisory Group has been established to provide independent guidance and ensure ongoing best practices in animal care.

While the Orana Wildlife Trust Board released a summary of the investigations’ outcomes and recommendations last year, the full reports were not made public due to privacy concerns. The recommendations included a temporary pause on all incoming animal transfers and the development of an animal welfare accreditation plan for the zoo association.

The zoo also plans to establish a formal process for reporting and addressing animal welfare complaints and incidents, with clear protocols for measuring risk, handling, documenting, and resolving matters of concern.

As the park approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, the leadership remains optimistic about the future. "We're focused on the future with confidence and purpose," Hughey said.