Over 100 animals have died in Dublin Zoo in the last two years

Inventory records of one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions show that 109 animals perished in the zoo between 2014 and 2016. A significant number of these animals are reported to be of critically endangered species.

Some of these endangered species included a southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum), Rothschild giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis), Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), collared mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus), and a red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Three scimitar oryxes (Oryx dammah), who have been extinct in the wild since 2000 also died in that period. 41 animals died in 2014, while 68 animals died in 2015. Of these 68, seven were on temporary loan from other zoos.

Recently, it was reported that a zoo in Cumbria, in the north-west of England, was refused a licence after recording an animal death rate of 12% over the course of four years. The deaths of 68 animals in 2015 at Dublin Zoo represents a death rate of 13.8%. 2014 at Dublin Zoo saw a death rate of 8.72%.

A spokesperson for the zoo reported that Dublin Zoo received positive comments from their latest annual inspection from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. On the numbers of animal deaths over the two year period in question, the spokesperson said the following:

“Animal care and wellness is at the core of Dublin Zoo. The physical and psychological wellbeing of animals in our care is the number one priority, ensuring every animal lives out its life to the full is paramount to Dublin Zoo.

“However, as in the wild, animals die in Dublin Zoo. In every situation the best of veterinary care and attention is given. We mourn the loss of every animal,” the spokesperson said.

“Every zoo varies in size and species, as such there is no standard zoo mortality rate.

“Variables that preclude the calculation of a standard zoo mortality rate include whether a large proportion of the animals have long natural lifespans . . . or shorter lifespans.

The Little Owl

Irish Biodiversity & Conservation

Over 100 animals have died in Dublin Zoo in the last two years

“Animal care and wellness is at the core of Dublin Zoo. The physical and psychological wellbeing of animals in our care is the number one priority, ensuring every animal lives out its life to the full is paramount to Dublin Zoo.

“However, as in the wild, animals die in Dublin Zoo. In every situation the best of veterinary care and attention is given. We mourn the loss of every animal,” the spokesperson said.

“Every zoo varies in size and species, as such there is no standard zoo mortality rate.

“Variables that preclude the calculation of a standard zoo mortality rate include whether a large proportion of the animals have long natural lifespans . . . or shorter lifespans.

“The age of the animals also differs greatly.”

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“Animal care and wellness is at the core of Dublin Zoo. The physical and psychological wellbeing of animals in our care is the number one priority, ensuring every animal lives out its life to the full is paramount to Dublin Zoo.

“However, as in the wild, animals die in Dublin Zoo. In every situation the best of veterinary care and attention is given. We mourn the loss of every animal,” the spokesperson said.

“Every zoo varies in size and species, as such there is no standard zoo mortality rate.

“Variables that preclude the calculation of a standard zoo mortality rate include whether a large proportion of the animals have long natural lifespans . . . or shorter lifespans.

“The age of the animals also differs greatly.”

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