44279 (2024). Rachel Boyack to the Associate Minister of Agriculture

44279 (2024). Rachel Boyack to the Associate Minister of Agriculture: What systems, if any, will be implemented for continuous monitoring and evaluation of animal welfare standards at Orana Wildlife Park and other zoos and wildlife parks?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: I am advised that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Verification Services conducts annual on-site audits to ensure that zoos meet the requirements of the Standard for Zoo Containment Facilities 2018, which contains an animal welfare component. The frequency of these inspections may vary and several factors may increase that frequency, such as compliance record of the containment facility or the operator. Outside of these audits, if a complaint is received alleging animal welfare issues, MPI Compliance will respond and conduct an inspection in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and the Code of Welfare: Zoos. MPI’s trained vets are also on site regularly at zoos to support the import or export of animals and at such times would note any key issues of concern. MPI continuously monitors animal welfare risks and has the ability to tailor a more proactive approach to identified risks as required. For example, due to recent allegations at Orana Wildlife Park, MPI will now undertake more regular checks of the zoo’s animal welfare compliance, which will take place quarterly, in addition to their annual verification. These checks will increase in frequency should evidence of animal welfare issues be found.