KOTA KINABALU: An independent audit on the welfare of animals at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is currently being carried out by a zoo management expert of Wild Welfare from the United States.

Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said Wild Welfare field director Dave Morgan had arrived on Monday to conduct the audit till Friday.

Augustine said the Wild Welfare, a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, would ascertain whether the wildlife park had met certain standards in caring for the animals.

He said the department had engaged the assistance of Wild Welfare to do the independent audit due to claims that the animals at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park were not well taken care of.

“People do not believe what we say so we let the independent audit do that for us,” he said that to the media after the industry dialogue session organized by Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah Chapter here yesterday.

He was responding to the viral posts of animals being allegedly mistreated at the wildlife park.

Augustine added that the Sabah Wildlife Department would carry outnecessary measures if the audit found that the zoo animals were not looked after very well.

He said Morgan had paid for his own trip here and provided the audit service free of charge, while certain organizations sponsored his meal and accommodation.

Earlier at the dialogue session, Augustine assured that the animals at the wildlife park were healthy.

“There is nothing wrong with Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. The animals are healthy.

“We cannot compare the wildlife park to big zoos that have more money to spend on designs.”

Nonetheless, Augustine admitted that some of the facilities at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park have deteriorated since the park opened in 2007.

However, he said ongoing improvements and repairs were being done on the facilities.