Zoo officials suspended over antelope scandal
SAXONWOLD - Two Johannesburg zoo officials have been suspended following an independent audit over the illegal importing of eight sitatunga antelope.
The City of Johannesburg announced the outcome of an independent investigation conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers into how the animals were allowed to land at the OR Tambo International Airport on 1 August this year without the necessary permits.
The consignment of antelope was allegedly facilitated by a private collector and originated from the Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic which is a major breeder of the antelopes. The animals were shipped via Germany to Johannesburg, and subsequently had to be put down due to the omission of necessary veterinary import documentation and clearance certificates for the Schmallenberg virus.
Spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, Nthatisi Modingoane stated that the animals had also suffered injuries during the trip and were euthanised by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries just days after their arrival.
The incident sparked widespread anger both locally and internationally over the unethical conduct of the importing of the animals.
In a public statement issued directly after the incident, the director of Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek said they agreed to send the animals to Johannesburg Zoo because they viewed the zoo’s membership of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Waza) as sufficient credentials, and used it as a benchmark for a guarantee of quality.
After the animals landed in South Africa, it was only then that the authorities found out the intended final destination for some of the antelopes was not Johannesburg Zoo, but a private breeder based in Cape Town.
“I find such manners of Johannesburg Zoo as extremely unethical,” said Bobek. “Johannesburg Zoo has abused its reputation as a Waza member. It declared that it [wanted the] offered antelopes for themselves, while it has arranged their import for a private breeder, completely unknown to us, and without our agreement and approval.
“The illegal import resulted in the Joburg Zoo being expelled as a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria.”
Modingoane said the City of Johannesburg viewed the expulsion in a very serious light and would engage with the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and other stakeholders to find a resolution for the matter.
Disciplinary action was pending on the two suspended officials and the city council was also receiving legal counsel on laying criminal charges against all parties implicated in the investigation report.
