The chief executive of Christchurch's famous wildlife park has asked her staff to put "aside" allegations about the zoo's operations.
Last week, an anonymous informant wrote a letter to the Christchurch City Council outlining concerns about safety, animal welfare and the behaviour of management at the park.
They claimed to be a current staff member, but did not reveal their identity.
Their letter called for an independent review of the zoo's leadership, claiming a toxic environment had been allowed to fester amongst staff.
Chief executive Lynn Anderson has since emphatically denied those claims, and said the informant was intending to damage the park's reputation.
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In an email sent to staff, and leaked to 1News, she has now asked her team to disregard the letter.
"We ask everyone to put this matter aside, as we continue to work together as a team in the best interests of our animals and people," she wrote.
"Always know that our doors are open if any team members have concerns they wish to raise."
Board, management defend safety record
1News approached the park about the safety allegations, asking if it would look into these further.
It did not respond to a specific question about whether it would investigate, but said its focus was on "supporting our incredible team".
However, it sent a joint statement from the Orana Wildlife Trust Board, chief executive and management team, directly refuting several of the claims raised by the informant.
It reaffirmed its earlier statement that the park complies with all relevant legislation and is subject to external audits.
The statement added that the board, chief executive and management team considered it their "absolute responsibility" to provide a safe working environment for staff and volunteers.
"Our gates remain open 364 days per year and our open and transparent approach to all that we do remains, supported by tested and externally audited best practice internal policies and procedures."
It said it doesn't intend to engage any further in what it described as "multiple unsubstantiated generalised allegations by a single informant".
Meanwhile, the Christchurch City Council confirmed it had talked the letter over with Orana.
"Council staff have discussed the letter with the Chair of Orana Wildlife Park who advises that the Park will consider the issues raised and address any concerns," the council's head of community support and partnerships John Filsell said.
WorkSafe said it was continuing to make initial inquiries, but hadn't progressed to an investigation "at this stage".
Informant urges others to 'speak up'
The informant has now put out a plea urging others with information to come forward.
In a second impassioned letter written to 1News, they urged current and former employees to contact Government agencies and the media with any concerns.
"I urge you to be brave enough to speak up, even if you have tried and tried, and it has failed numerous times," the letter read.
"It is important you tell someone that you trust and to understand this time, your concerns will be taken seriously."
The informant acknowledged it was uncomfortable to talk about difficult experiences, but said each person's voice was "strong and powerful".
They added many of the current staff at the zoo were young, and working in their first or only role in the sector.
"Please do not feel frightened, intimidated, or afraid," the letter read.
"You will be protected, and you will be safe."
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