Tayto Park attempting to stop release of number of animals that have died at zoo
Tayto Park does not want people to know how many animals have died at its zoo.
The attraction is trying to stop the Department of Culture releasing numbers, claiming the information would damage its business and result in negative publicity.
The Department of Culture, which is the licensing authority for Irish zoos, already publishes animal mortality rates for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park.
Tayto Park is trying to stop it releasing figures for its enclosures, arguing the information would put customers off visiting.
Animals in the Zoo's conservation section include the endangered Amur Tiger, near threatened bush dogs, and the vulnerable Asian small-clawed otter.
The park boasts a range of birds including the Eurasian eagle owl, secretary bird, snowy owl and red-crowned crane.
The park's farmyard also features Sicilian donkeys, Ouessant sheep, Highland cattle and the African pygmy goat.
Charles Coyle, general manager of Tayto Park, told the Irish Times:
“At this time, Tayto Park will not be releasing this information. We believe that reporting on mortality rates without providing context can be misleading… Tayto Park will not be answering any further questions at this time."
Tayto Park was banned from adding any more animals to its zoo back in 2012 after an inspection found it had "inadequate enclosures" and that its animals were overweight and displaying "high levels of aggression and stress".
The ban was lifted after five months but was reinstated in November 2013 after "great disappointment" from another inspection.
Tayto Park has refused to state how many animals have died at its zoo but insists it has no concerns regarding mortality rates.
