No further inquiry into Perth Zoo

26/1/95

There will be no further inquiry into the Perth Zoo, Environment Minister Kevin Minson said today.

Mr Minson said he was disappointed that the Opposition environment spokesperson had felt it necessary to call for another inquiry.

"Dr Edwards knows as well as I do that there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the zoo," Mr Minson said.

"After all, most of the period under discussion was during the Opposition's term in government.

"Dr Edwards also knows that in all big organisations there are often problems and always somebody who is unhappy about some aspect of the organisation."

Mr Minson said there had already been two internal inquiries commissioned by the Zoological Gardens Board which resulted in a $24 million plan to be implemented over the next 10 years.

"The plan was painstakingly crafted and was unanimously agreed to by zoo employees.

"I am not about to waste taxpayers' money by asking that yet another report be undertaken.

"Nor am I going to release either of the reports commissioned by the board, as they were internal working documents.

"One at least was agreed to on the grounds that it would not be made public, so that staff would feel comfortable about contributing to it in confidence.

"I am not about to abuse that trust."

Mr Minson said extensive work had been done involving zoo management and staff which addressed the issues raised over a number of years.

"I have full confidence in the board and the zoo management.

"The zoo's acting director Ricky Burges has spent six months working with the board and staff to ensure good work practices and systems are in place to deal with any problems which might arise.

"Zoo staff have taken an unbelievable battering due to the attention focussed recently on their place of work and they are understandably upset and insulted.

"They are particularly distressed, as I am, over allegations that animals are not being fed properly and are being mistreated.

"As to the allegation that one of the elephants had been beaten, this is a case of raking over an incident that is no less than nine years old.

"I can assure the public that the animals are well-cared for in every way.  The staff are totally dedicated to the animals and to the job they do.

"I would be the first to demand an explanation if I felt this was not the case."

Mr Minson backed Ms Burges's call that anyone with concerns over the zoo should visit and find out for themselves.

"I would urge Dr Edwards to do just that.  I know zoo management would be only too happy to answer any questions she may have."

Mr Minson said the Government had pledged $12 million towards the zoo's further development and that another $12 million would be raised by the zoo's independent fundraising body, the Perth Zoo Society.

"This will be undertaken by former zoo director John DeJose, who has agreed to take up the position of executive director of the society and will not be seeking reappointment to the position of zoo director," the Minister said.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 018 952 129