Dublin Zoo says animal welfare is it's primary consideration and it disputes what it calls unfounded allegations of mistreatment.
It follows claims by former and current zoo staff that were raised in the Seanad yesterday, including serious welfare issues and safety and management concerns.
In a statement, the zoo says the allegations have been made without any engagement with the wildlife park.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Annie Hoey claimed some animals were left in pain before eventually passing away:
"I have seen 42 photographs of the animals I've mentioned here today and the visible unnecessary suffering they will have to endure is unfathomable. This is not what care and compassion for animals is supposed to look like. This is not the standard of care which we as members of the public and the parliament have come to expect from Dublin Zoo and much trusted and beloved public institution."
