A major "pest control problem" has been found at Edinburgh Zoo as inspectors criticised bosses for failing to control vermin.
Considerable evidence of cockroaches, rats and mice has been discovered at the popular tourist attraction and detailed in an interim report for the city council and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Zoo, which is home to more than 2,500 animals from around the world, also fell short on cleanliness as inspectors noted two animal care areas did not meet “minimum standards”.
According to reports from The Scottish Sun, evidence of vermin was found in the majority of areas that were visually assessed and a pest control problem is the primary concern.
They said inspectors claimed there was a “lack of evidence of environmental management and general good housekeeping” in areas that were not on view to the public.
Adding that spilt food was common and areas were “not particularly well cleaned”.
The inspection report seen by the Scottish Sun also found that birds and grey squirrels could eat waste from skips due to unsatisfactory measures to prevent the issue.
It said there were not “satisfactory measures in place” to prevent issues such as grey squirrels and birds feasting on waste from skips.
Numerous other concerns were raised in the report, including meat, fruit and veg being stored in a dirty fridge and freezer, as well as problems in areas housing reptiles, koalas, armadillos and monkeys.
The public were found to be at risk due to low voltage on electric fences designed to keep chimpanzees in their own section.
The zoo was deemed to be otherwise "well operated" by inspectors and it is understood they attended the venue in October.
David Field, chief exec of its owners the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “It is important to have robust zoo licensing and inspection processes in place and we welcomed a new report in 2021 which highlighted our charity’s high standards alongside our world-class conservation, research and education programmes.
“There are over 2,500 animals in our care at Edinburgh Zoo and their welfare is always our highest priority. We were aware of the issues raised in the report and had already been working to resolve them. For example, we closed the monkey house in 2020 and have been relocating the species living there.
“It has been encouraging to see the inspection team confirm our standards often exceed the level required and that they are happy with our progress in carrying out all the recommendations for improvements. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our animal keepers and vets with support from colleagues across the organisation.”
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