Death of one-horned rhino: Greens MP calls for public probe

"Zoo Director Guy Cooper can no longer keep sweeping allegations of deaths and injuries of animals at Taronga Zoo under the carpet. It is time Minister Koperburg stepped in," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Mr Cooper has no background in zoology and it appears he puts the zoo's commercial interests before animal welfare.

"I have heard disturbing allegations that inadequate care led to the death of Kua, the pregnant rhino, who was destined for Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo for breeding.

"I have received information that the rhino was underfed because the zoo overlooked its pregnancy and mistakenly thought she was overweight.

"The rhino's fatal gut blockage was caused by eating flooring material that contained dolerite in its enclosure. A zebra is reported to have died from the same cause in recent times.

"An investigation is needed to uncover whether these allegations are true.

"The alarm bells have been rung loud and long about the botched management of rare and endangered species at Taronga and Western Plains zoos.

"In November last year the ABC's 7.30 Report detailed various incidents of concern with animal management at Taronga and Western Plains Zoos, none of which have been addressed.

"With his new office and portfolio, Mr Koperburg could make his mark by launching an inquiry into animal welfare standards at Taronga and Western Plains zoos” Ms Rhiannon said.

Contact: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568