Following a flurry of media reports on poor conditions and animal cruelty at Amnéville zoo, particularly focusing on the treatment of the polar bear Olaf who died in July 2018, the zoo’s chief veterinarian Alexis Maillot has published details in a statement.
The statement, posted on Facebook, said the numerous reports had greatly affected the employees working at the park. Maillot clarified that Olaf the polar bear had died at the age of 31, due to cardiac and renal insufficiency, likely caused by the anti-inflammatories administered to relieve osteoarthritis.
According to Maillot’s statement, while last summer’s heat wave was raging in the region, the bear’s body was stored in a cold room designed for leftover bone and meat food, while waiting to be transported to the rendering plant.
Maillot continued to clarify the situation, explaining the bear’s body was mistakenly taken by the company responsible for removing the other waste on 26 July. They realised their mistake at the waste treatment centre and immediately reported it to the zoo. The body was stored until the rendering team arrived on 30 July to remove it in its entirety.
The zoological park confirmed it is subject to regular health checks and is said to be “particularly hurt” by accusations made in the press.
