Orana Wildlife Park is pleased to confirm it has successfully met all requirements set by the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), following a scheduled six-month review. As a result, the temporary pause on incoming animal transfers has been lifted, enabling the Park to resume animal acquisitions and breeding programme recommendations.

This important milestone marks the culmination of a significant period of operational improvement, triggered by an independent ZAA investigation launched in July 2024 in response to media coverage of animal welfare and workplace concerns.

The ZAA’s final report, delivered in December 2024, outlined findings and required actions across several areas including animal welfare processes, organisational systems, health and safety, asset management, and workplace culture.

ZAA has confirmed that all required improvements in relation to systems, policies and processes have been met, and ZAA welcomes Orana Wildlife Park to resume full participation in species programs and incoming animal transfers.

Orana Wildlife Trust Board Co-Chair, Emeritus Professor Ken Hughey, says the outcome reflects the organisation’s commitment to positive and lasting change.

“This is a significant step forward. Our team has worked tirelessly to strengthen governance, systems, and processes. The ZAA review has been a catalyst for transformation, and we’re proud of the progress made,” says Professor Hughey.

“We also acknowledge and appreciate the collaborative and constructive approach taken by ZAA throughout this process. Together, we’ve achieved a result that strengthens outcomes for animals, staff, and our wider community.”

Professor Hughey says public support has been invaluable. “We want to thank the people of Canterbury and beyond for standing by us. Our team are motivated and remain deeply committed to delivering the highest standards of care to our animals, and as we look toward Orana Wildlife Park’s 50th anniversary in 2026, we’re focused on the future with confidence and purpose.”

“We’re implementing a five-year vision called Future Focused, aimed at strengthening animal welfare practices, enhancing our organisational culture, and ensuring long-term sustainability,” says Professor Hughey. “This includes the establishment of a new Animal Welfare Advisory Group to provide independent guidance and ensure ongoing best practice in animal care.

“Our mission is clear – to cultivate meaningful connections between people and wildlife through transformative, real-world experiences that provoke curiosity, foster compassion and motivate conservation action. Future Focused will help us lead with integrity, sustainability, and care at the heart of everything we do,” says Professor Hughey.

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