Animal Deaths Soar by 36% at Fota Wildlife Park in 2023

In 2023, Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland witnessed a significant number of animal deaths, including several endangered species, as detailed in the latest report from the Zoological Society of Ireland. A total of 90 animals perished at the Cork-based park during the year with notable casualties including a critically endangered female tiger, a male lion, and two ring-tailed lemurs. Other species lost included two cheetahs, a pair of eastern grey kangaroos, and four European bison.

A Rise in Animal Mortalities

The total number of animal deaths at Fota Wildlife Park marked a 36% increase from 2022 when 66 animals had died. Additionally, 25 animals died at Dublin Zoo during the same period. Among the notable fatalities at Fota Wildlife Park were a critically endangered axolotl and five southern lechwes which is an endangered species of African antelope. Other species, such as two meerkats and a pair of Humboldt penguins, also perished.

According to the report, “In 2023, Fota Wildlife Park continued to expand its important work in species conservation and as a result of ongoing conservation measures, two of the species in the Park, the scimitar-horned oryx and European bison, have had their ‘Extinct in the Wild’ IUCN Red List status reduced to “Endangered” and “Near Threatened”, respectively.”

Zoo Inspection and Recommendations

An inspection report from October 2023, which was obtained through freedom of information laws, provided a positive assessment of conditions at Fota Wildlife Park. However, it noted a condition for the renewal of the zoo’s license which mandated the installation of a new SIM card in the electric fence management system for the lion and tiger enclosures. This system is designed to alert staff in case of a failure in the electric fences.

Major Animal Transfer at Dublin Zoo 

Despite the reported mortality, Dublin Zoo’s 2023 highlights include the successful transfer of four elephants to Cincinnati Zoo, marking a significant achievement for the Animal Care Team. Years of planning led to splitting the herd into two groups, creating space for independent management. In line with EEP recommendations, the zoo also facilitated the transfer of two male Rothschild’s giraffes, male Asian lion Kuno to Portugal, a male bongo Tushi to France, and four castrated male scimitar-horned oryx to Zoo du Reynou. These transfers support global breeding programs and species conservation efforts.