Agriculture Minister Haji Kazim Hosein says he has instructed an immediate investigation into the condition of a kangaroo at the Emperor Valley Zoo and overall care conditions at the facility.
This follows social media posts showing an emaciated kangaroo.
In sharing a statement from his Ministry on Facebook, Mr Hosein said he was “deeply concerned”, adding that “any animal placed under the ward of the state deserves the best care possible, and any concerns raised must be taken care of quickly.”
The Ministry’s statement says a veterinary team was deployed to help the Zoo with the kangaroo, which came into its care in 2022 after the closure of another facility.
See the Ministry’s full statement:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries acknowledges the public’s concern regarding recently circulated photographs depicting a Red Kangaroo housed at the Emperor Valley Zoo. We want to assure the public that we take all matters concerning animal welfare seriously and are deeply committed to the well-being of the animals under our care.
Upon receiving reports of the photograph, the Ministry immediately investigated the matter. We can confirm that the Kangaroo in question came into the care of Emperor Valley Zoo in 2022 following the closure of another facility. At that time, the animal was reported to be between 15 and 20 years old. Red Kangaroos typically live up to ten years in the wild; they can live up to 25 years in captivity.
Since the animal’s arrival, a dedicated team of zoo administrators has diligently worked to provide the necessary care and support for all animals at the Emperor Valley Zoo. This includes regular health checks, proper nutrition, and enrichment activities tailored to the kangaroo’s needs.
Earlier today, the Ministry deployed a veterinary team to assist the personnel of Emperor Valley Zoo in assessing the kangaroo’s health and well-being. Based on their recommendations, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the animal’s welfare is properly addressed.
The Ministry wishes to reassure the public that we are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. We will take swift and decisive action, as necessary, to ensure the welfare of all animals under the state’s care.”
This story has been updated.
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