Orana Wildlife Park has appointed a new chief executive.
The former Christchurch zoo boss Lyn Anderson resigned in November last year.
1News has reported on the park’s culture and treatment of animals.
The stories – first aired in July 2024 – included comments from 20 current and former zoo workers, some of whom said they were overworked and exhausted with too many animals in their care.
MPI proceeded to investigate, and made a number of recommendations which were all accepted by the park.
In a statement today, the park named respected zoo and aquarium professional Rachel Haydon as its new chief executive.
Haydon previously served as director at the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier, and brought experience from other roles at the Zoological Society of London, London’s Natural History Museum, and other institutions.
Orana Wildlife Trust Board co-chairperson Ken Hughey said Orana Wildlife Park was embarking on a journey of improvement “that will take some time”, and that Haydon was the “perfect person” to guide this change.
“The first steps in implementing these actions have started, and good progress has already been made setting the stage for an exciting future.
“Rachel’s industry expertise and global connections—particularly as Chair of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) Conservation Engagement Committee, and Oceania representative for the International Zoo Educators Association — will be instrumental in shaping this new direction,” said Hughey.
“She is the perfect person to guide Orana through this phase of transformational change.”
Haydon said she was eager to step into the role and excited about the opportunities ahead.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Orana team and help shape the Park’s future,” she said.
“Orana has a strong foundation in conservation, particularly with native fauna, and I look forward to building upon this legacy. I am also keen to strengthen the Park’s relationships with our supporters and sponsors, and I would like to establish a meaningful partnership with local iwi.”
