Endangered iguana died from injuries after sex in Dublin Zoo - report
Two brazen foxes also picked up two Humboldt penguins during a daylight raid at the popular attraction last year, during which 25 animals died
by Darragh Mc Donagh · Irish MirrorAn endangered iguana who suffered injuries during sex and two penguins who were picked up by trespassing foxes were among 25 animals that died at Dublin Zoo last year.
They also included a critically endangered red-ruffed lemur, the zoo’s only male red-footed tortoise, and two slender-tailed meerkats.
In June, two Humboldt penguins were killed by foxes, which are understood to have entered the zoo through an open gate in broad daylight.
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The following month, a Lau banded iguana suffered serious injuries to her neck and back during mating. She was quickly removed from the habitat but died shortly afterwards.
There was to be no mating for Sid the garter snake, who was found to be suffering from flaccid paralysis, which resulted in physical disability and he was euthanised.
A green crested lizard also exhibited a loss of motor control in its hind legs and was also euthanised on welfare grounds, according to the latest annual report.
A spokesman for Dublin Zoo said the loss of every animal is mourned at the popular visitor attraction.
“Dublin Zoo prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of animal care, a commitment evidenced by our diligent and passionate staff,” he said.
“Our efforts are routinely acknowledged both nationally and internationally, with our first-class animal welfare and care programmes being independently audited and heralded.
“However, as in the wild, animals also die in human care. In every such situation, the best of veterinary care and attention is given. We mourn the loss of every animal.”
A total of 25 animals died at the zoo during 2023. The spokesman said the mortality rate was in line with that experienced in the wild.
A female bongo named Nanyuki was found dead in her enclosure in December 2022. A postmortem examination found that she had developed a large clot in one of her pulmonary arteries, causing collapse and immediate death.
An investigation was also carried out at the zoo after two Humboldt penguins were killed by foxes in June. “It was assumed that [the foxes] had entered the site through an open gate during the day,” the annual report concluded.
The report also noted that Lau banded iguana had suffered “wounds to the neck and back” as a result of “the male’s mating behaviour” in July. “We immediately removed the female from the habitat; however, she succumbed to her wounds not long after that.”
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