Johannesburg Zoo loses accreditation
The DA's spokesperson on Johannesburg Zoo Clr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, expressed her deep sadness at hearing that the Johannesburg Zoo has had its membership and accreditation in PAAZA (Pan –African Association of Zoos and Aquaria) revoked as a result of the incident where eight Sitatunga's were euthanised at OR Tambo International Airport.
The animals were allegedly donated from the Prague Zoo to the Johannesburg Zoo.
PAAZA took the action after it found that the Zoo had violated their Code of Ethics.
More troubling, says Sifumba, the Zoo was found guilty of willful misrepresentation as they abused their standing in PAAZA and WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquaria) to assist a commercial facility in securing the deal and, thereby, providing the Zoo with two Sitatunga’s at minimal cost.
According to Sifumba, Johannesburg Zoo did not comply with local requirements for the importation of animals from Europe.
“It is supposed to ensure that all permits and veterinary tests are in order; and it is their responsibility to ensure that the paperwork is available when animals arrive into the country.
“This was not done and this is why the animals had to be euthanised.”
The DA says it is appalled at the gross negligence on the part of Johannesburg Zoo and calls for an investigation to find the persons responsible for this.
“This extraordinary incompetence needs to be met with disciplinary proceedings.”
Sifumba says that the Johannesburg Zoo’s loss of PAAZA membership and accreditation is a big loss to the people of Johannesburg.
The DA calls on the Zoo’s management to identify exactly where things went wrong and whether everything was done to prevent the killing of these animals.
“It appears that several senior people at the Zoo also need urgent training to ensure that they follow the correct processes in future,” concludes Sifumba. – @IschkeBoksburg
