Investigation into euthanised antelope
SAXONWOLD – The Joburg Zoo has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to investigate who is liable for importing eight antelope into the country without the necessary clearance certificates, EWN reports.
On week ending 8 August, Rosebank Killarney Gazette reported that the zoo was saddened after eight Sitatunga antelope were humanely euthanised after they had gone through three checkpoints in Europe and into the country without the necessary medical clearance certificates.
Joburg Zoo said they had entered into an agreement to offer their accredited quarantine facilities on arrival of the antelope into South Africa, from the Czech Republic.
EWN reported that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums had suspended the zoo from further importing other animals until an investigation had been completed.
“When we approached them in Prague [Czech Republic], they hadn’t been forthcoming with this information. This is all going to form part of the investigation by PWC. We basically believe that at this stage we cannot make a decision or hold any of our officials accountable,” Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley told EWN.
The Schmallenberg Virus, which has been detected in Europe, was one of the diseases which was of concern and The Department of Agriculture and Forestry had attempted to return the antelope, however German airline Lufthanza was allegedly unwilling to transport the animals back.
One of the fears was that an excess of 20 million of the livestock population in South Africa would be susceptible to contracting the disease.
“Due diligence was not followed in the release of the animals in the Czech Republic, and this unfortunately led to The Department of Agriculture and Forestry having to implement the necessary measures,” the zoo had said in a previous statement.
Related article: Joburg Zoo saddened after antelope put down
