[UPDATED] Ministry: Red kangaroo at zoo in 'fair health'

DAYS after a photo of an emaciated kangaroo was posted on social media – with the claim that it was in that condition while under the care of the Emperor Valley Zoo – the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries said on Thursday the animal in question was doing well.

In a statement, the ministry said it investigated after the social media post, with a team led by its acting chief technical officer Denny Dipchandsingh and director of animal production and health Dr Michelle Mellows visiting the zoo to assess the kangaroo's condition and health.

Also in the ministry's investigative team were Dr Lisa Mossai and other veterinary officers. Representatives from the zoo also participated to ensure transparency and collaboration in the effort to uphold animal welfare standards.

On thorough examination, the statement said, the team determined the animal was in fair health.

Veterinary experts found the kangaroo bright, alert, and responsive to stimuli. The assessment report indicated the animal moved with ease within its enclosure, indicating a satisfactory level of physical activity.

The ministry pointed out that the zoo not only housed wildlife for public display, but in different sections of the facility, it kept animals seized by game wardens and which were to be used as court exhibits. It also houses wildlife that has been rescued or recovered from around the country, or surrendered by keepers/owners who cannot maintain the animals.

The red kangaroo was brought to the zoo in January last year, with physical issues, from another local animal-care facility.

From the ministry's team’s observations, the kangaroo is estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, and has an anatomy consistent with expected levels of muscle loss at that age. The enclosure in which it is housed was deemed adequate for its movement and activity.

The ministry said since the kangaroo was brought to the zoo, it had been provided with a wholesome diet consistent with standard care protocols. The diet includes fresh vegetables and specially formulated chow, supplemented with minerals.

Routine checks for parasites were done and all returned negative results. Environmental enrichment tests are also done regularly to assess the animal’s responsiveness.

Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister Kazim Hosein reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and well-being of all animals under its care and supervision.

“The health and safety of the animals in our care are of utmost importance to us,” Hosein said. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action to address any concerns that may arise.”

In a statement, former executive director of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and Hummingbird Medal Gold awardee, John Seyjagat, defended the zoo. He acknowledged the animal came to the zoo in bad condition and the facility had been caring for it appropriately, like the other kangaroos in its possession.

"Animal welfare in modern zoos requires that animals be managed in a manner that allows them to progress from surviving to coping to thriving. Emperor Valley Zoo has demonstrated practices along this welfare continuum by having kangaroos successfully breed at the zoo in the very enclosure in which this kangaroo is housed. In fact, the companion to this kangaroo was born at Emperor Valley Zoo. Animal contentment in captivity is manifested by breeding," he said.

He added the kangaroo was not sick or in pain and should be allowed to live out its life.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

DAYS after a photo of an emaciated kangaroo was posted on social media – with the claim that it was in this condition while under the care of the Emperor Valley Zoo – the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) said on March 7 the animal in question is doing well.

In a press release, the ministry said it investigated after the social media post, with a team led by its acting chief technical officer Denny Dipchandsingh and director of animal production and health Dr Michelle Mellows visiting the zoo to assess the kangaroo's condition and health.

Also in the ministry's investigative team were Dr Lisa Mossai and other veterinary officers. Representatives from the zoo also participated to ensure transparency and collaboration in the effort to uphold animal welfare standards.

On thorough examination, the release said, the team determined the animal was in fair health.

Veterinary experts found the kangaroo bright, alert, and responsive to stimuli. The assessment report indicated the animal moved with ease within its enclosure, indicating a satisfactory level of physical activity.

The ministry pointed out that the zoo not only houses wildlife for public display, but in different sections of the facility, it keeps animals seized by game wardens and which are to be used as court exhibits. It also houses wildlife that has been rescued or recovered from around the country, or surrendered by keepers/owners who cannot maintain the animals.

The red kangaroo was brought to the zoo in January last year, with physical issues, from another local animal-care facility.

From the ministry's team’s observations, the kangaroo is estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, and has an anatomy consistent with expected levels of muscle loss at that age. The enclosure in which it is housed was deemed adequate for its movement and activity.

The release said since the kangaroo was brought to the zoo, it has been provided with a wholesome diet consistent with standard care protocols. This diet includes fresh vegetables and specially formulated chow, supplemented with minerals.

Routine checks for parasites were done and all returned negative results. Environmental enrichment tests are also done regularly to assess the animal’s responsiveness.

MALF Minister Kazim Hosein reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and well-being of all animals under its care and supervision.

“The health and safety of the animals in our care are of utmost importance to us,” Hosein said. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action to address any concerns that may arise.”