The zoo will remain closed for the day as a murder investigation continues into the death of a staff member. Photo: National Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook.
UPDATE 5 pm: The owners of the National Zoo and Aquarium, the Tindale family, confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the site would open tomorrow, Wednesday (20 December), after consultation with staff.
They also expressed their condolences to the families of those affected by Monday’s tragedy, when a staff member was found dead in the kitchen. They also expressed their sorrow to all staff, many of whom had been significantly affected by the tragedy, adding that they “showed incredible strength and compassion during a horrific time”.
Zoo staff were given the option of returning to work on Wednesday, and chose return.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge will remain closed until 30 December and will reopen subject to staff sentiments and availability.
7:30 am: The gates of the National Zoo and Aquarium will be closed today (19 December) following the death of a staff member.
A 29-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death in a storeroom at the back of a kitchen yesterday (18 December).
A male co-worker was taken into custody with self-inflicted wounds.
In a statement, a spokesperson said the zoo and Jamala Wildlife Lodge would be closed in respect of all those both directly and indirectly affected.
“Tours and encounters will be cancelled for the day and we hope that we will be ready to resume operations on Wednesday,” they said.
“We request that visitors and guests recognise the significant trauma that staff have experienced and that they respect their need for privacy on this matter.”
The spokesperson acknowledged and thanked staff and community members who were supporting their employees, as well as those who had passed on their condolences.
“Our thoughts are with the families along with those staff affected in one way or another,” they said.
“All staff have been given access to trauma counselling.”
A murder investigation has been opened following the incident.
No charges have been laid in relation to the woman’s death at this time, while the man was taken to Canberra Hospital under police guard.
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