Zookeepers at Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park have been asked to rate their own managers in an anonymous survey, as an independent probe begins to look at the zoo's leadership.
The questions are part of an investigation run by the Zoo and Aquarium Association — or ZAA — the peak body for zoos across all of Australasia.
It's asked Orana's workers to share their views on their own managers, chief executive and board. Questions in the survey include, among other things, queries as to whether leaders value people equally, or care for the physical and mental well-being of staff.
The work follows a 1News investigation last month, where 20 current and former staff came forward with concerns.
Some zookeepers claimed they were left feeling exhausted, ignored or unsafe while caring for animals at the park, which include exotic species like lions and giraffes.
They also revealed details of several animal deaths and injuries.
Read more: Buried Trauma: Zookeepers Expose Animal Deaths At Orana Wildlife Park
Orana pushed back against many of the claims, saying they were inaccurate, out of context or missing vital pieces of information.
But ZAA moved soon afterwards to announce its own independent investigation into the allegations, saying the details in the 1News stories were "deeply concerning".
ZAA provides animal welfare accreditation and support with breeding programmes for some of the biggest zoos in Australia and New Zealand, including Orana.
Its investigation is one of four independent reviews that are now underway or due to begin soon — the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Christchurch City Council, and Orana itself all also have work planned or in progress.
A 1News investigation has uncovered a raft of concerning animal welfare issues at the Christchurch zoo. (Source: 1News)
In an email sent to Orana staff this week, and leaked to 1News, Orana's chief executive Lynn Anderson confirmed a team from ZAA had already visited the zoo.
"A number of you had the opportunity to meet in person and share your thoughts," she wrote.
She encouraged "all team members" to participate in the survey, which had been sent to ensure everyone could have a say.
In response to questions from 1News, ZAA said its investigation would include input from an independent animal welfare expert and an independent organisation focused on people and culture.
"An investigation of this nature covers a number of facets and time is needed in order to thoroughly and appropriately assess all elements," a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Anderson has said the Orana board will run its own — separate — initiative to improve culture.
"They will work with our entire team together to improve the future workplace culture at the park," she said in the leaked email.
A spokesperson for the zoo's board, Ken Hughey, confirmed that Orana is partnering with Christchurch business Culture by Design for the work.
The intention was to "further improve" workplace culture, well-being, and communication, and would follow an open and shared approach involving all staff and the board, Hughey said.
Responding to questions from 1News, he described the various reviews as "opportunities for learning".
"We welcome any review as a further level of assurance to stakeholders and the public," he said.
ZAA was unable to give a timeline for its investigation, but work is ongoing.
Orana's staff have been asked to complete the survey by August 21.
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