A world-class conservation and breeding centre in Langley, B.C., is the subject of an abuse investigation after a number of current and former employees spoke out against the facility.

The Mountain View Conservation Centre spans more than 250 acres and is home to 50 species of rare and endangered animals.

Owner Gordon Blankstein says the facility's goal is to breed animals facing extinction, including the Vancouver Island marmot and African hunting dogs, in hopes of releasing them back into the wild.

But eight staff members say the centre failed to properly care for dozens of injured and dying animals by not calling a veterinarian.

"If an animal becomes sick for whatever reason, if it's suffering, injured, malnourished or even just naturally dying, vets are typically not called," said staff member Todd Streu.

"The staff believes that it's primarily cost. A vet is very expensive."

The claims have prompted investigations by the SPCA into the centre's methods.

Zoo spokesman Malcolm Weatherston says he was shocked by the allegations.

"The people here have been working for 23 years, we've never had a complaint like this," he said. "Our programs are world renowned for their success."

The centre has three veterinarians on call, Weatherston said, and management does not hesitate to call them.

Weatherston admits that another accusation, that the centre feeds live animals to the carnivores in their care, is true, but that it is a necessary practice.

"This is common for us to do because they have to go back into the wild," he said.

"We feed them live animals because that's how the moms and dads teach the babies how to survive."

Streu also accuses the facility of euthanizes animals in inhumane ways, sometimes with a small caliber gun, a charge Weatherston vehemently denies.

The group has compiled case files dating back to 2004. The employees say they are only coming forward now because they recently became unionized, and feel their jobs will be protected.

The SPCA has visited Mountain View, and investigations are continuing.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Lisa Rossington