The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has confirmed it is working with Belfast Zoo after a trainee was “locked in” with lions.
The Belfast Telegraph previously reported that a probe has been launched after an individual believed to be on a training programme was left unattended in the enclosure.
A spokesperson for BIAZA, which represents the best zoos and aquariums in the world, said it is aware of the incident which happened earlier this month.
“The zoo has informed BIAZA that Belfast City Council, which owns and operates the zoo, is undertaking an investigation,” they added.
“BIAZA will be working closely with the zoo throughout this process but cannot offer further details as this is a live investigation.”
The professional body is a member of both the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
It collaborates with its members to further conservation science, natural history and environmental education and animal welfare around the world.
According to a source familiar with details of the incident the person involved was initially in the enclosure alongside a member of staff. “The lions were originally kept in their den while (the individual) was in the enclosure with a more experienced staff member,” they told this newspaper.
They said that the experienced employee then left the paddock.
The gate was locked and the animals were free to move around — meaning the person was “locked in” with the lions with “nowhere to go”.
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Belfast Zoo is home to a pride of Barbary lions which includes one male lion named Qays and two females, Fidda and Theibba.
The breed is one of the largest sub-species and is extinct in the wild.
“This big cat measures one metre in height at the shoulder and up to three and a half metres in length,” the zoo’s website states. “Average weight can be up to 230 kilograms.”
Belfast City Council, which owns the facility, previously confirmed a probe is under way.
“Council is aware of an incident at the lion enclosure at Belfast Zoo earlier this month,” a spokesperson said.
“We take the safety of all our staff, visitors and animals very seriously, and an investigation is under way into the circumstances of this incident.
“We cannot comment further while this is ongoing.”
Belfast Zoo participates in the Department for Communities’ JobStart Scheme which is designed to allow unemployed 50 to 64-year-olds a chance to gain skills and experience in the workplace.
It also runs a number of apprenticeship programmes — it is understood the person involved was participating in one of these initiatives.
Deputy UUP leader Robbie Butler and Independent MLA Claire Sugden were among those to express concern following the incident. They both pointed out that the safety of the individual involved and the welfare of the lions were put at risk.