Concerns about the welfare of animals at Orana Wildlife Park have been raised in an open letter penned by an anonymous informant which was sent to the Christchurch City Council.

The author claims to be a staff member at the zoo, but does not reveal their identity.

Their letter makes widespread allegations about the zoo and calls for an independent review of the park’s board and management, including chief executive Lynn Anderson.

Orana Wildlife Park has since denied the allegations, with Anderson saying she strongly refutes the contents of the letter “in its entirety”.

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In a copy obtained by 1News, the author requests protection under the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 and said they feel “fearful of repercussions”.

The writer claims they feel frightened to speak up and are intimidated, and said staff feel put down and humiliated by making suggestions for change.

The letter goes on to make allegations of a toxic culture at the zoo and takes issue with the leadership, including the chief executive, managers and the board.

It further suggests there are health and safety problems with equipment on the site, and raises concern about animal welfare — in particular saying many of the park’s famous lions are tired, overworked and should be retired.

In response the zoo’s chief executive said the letter contained “multiple unsubstantiated allegations”, and claimed many of the statements were factually incorrect.

“It is disappointing that a single anonymous individual has taken steps that are clearly intended to damage the Park’s reputation and defame our people,” Anderson said in a statement.

The zoo also pointed out that it complies with all relevant legislation and said it was subject to external audits. Its gates are open to the public 364 days a year.

Orana Park has previously indicated it’s struggling, financially.

Last month it told 1News it wants $1.5 million a year from the council to help take care of the 1000 animals it has.

At time Anderson said: “We’re very grateful to the council for generally providing $250k per annum towards operational costs but to put that in perspective our entire budget is $5m.”

The Christchurch City Council’s interim chief executive Mary Richardson said the letter this week was the first time she had heard of other potential concerns.

She said her team will look into it.

“I have asked the appropriate Council staff member to discuss the claims made with Orana Park,” she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, WorkSafe confirmed it had received a copy of the letter and said it was making initial inquiries to determine “next steps”.