An investigation into alleged mistreatment of animals at Dublin Zoo has found that there was no evidence to support allegations of welfare breaches at the zoo.
The Seanad heard that the most detailed accounts came from a whistleblower via a protected disclosure, outlining serious welfare issues, near misses and safety and management concerns.
Dublin Zoo said at the time that it "vehemently disputes" the allegations raised in the Seanad.
An investigation team from the National Parks and Wildlife Service then began examining 23 allegations which were identified.
Out of the 23 allegations, one was "considered to be supported as per the stated allegation". The report says that this was in relation to the development of a new red panda habitat "as per the recommendations of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria best practice guidelines".
The report says it notes that the recommendation was assessed by management and "in the professional opinion and experience of Dublin Zoo it was not considered a concern by the senior team - which the investigation team recognised as being justifiable".
Seventeen of the allegations were "unfounded with no evidence supplied to support the narrative of the allegation".
Two of the allegations were found to have "no basis or evidence to even substantiate the allegation".
In relation to three allegations, the investigation team said "some evidence was found supporting a historical allegation, but Dublin Zoo had already resolved the case' with changes in 'process, facility or management'".
The report says that the investigation team found that Dublin Zoo promoted animal welfare throughout their operational practices and the team was "satisfied that there was no evidence submitted to the team that supported the allegations made of ongoing serious welfare breaches".
A number of recommendations and conditions were made in the report, which Dublin Zoo said that it "fully accepts" and will implement.
