[ad_1]
The Canberra Zoo has spoken out after the shocking stabbing death of a female staff member, confirming the popular tourist destination will close temporarily out of respect.
A 29-year-old old female zoo worker was found dead with serious stab wounds inside the kitchen storeroom of the National Zoo and Aquarium at Yarralumla on Monday afternoon.
Her 29-year-old male co-worker was found with self-inflicted stab wounds and was arrested by police. He remains under police guard in hospital.
No charges have been laid.
The zoo issued a statement to social media on Monday night describing it as a “tragic” and “incredibly sad” event.
“Due to the incredibly sad events, both the zoo and Jamala will be closed tomorrow in respect of all those affected directly or indirectly,” the statement posted to Facebook said.
“Tours and encounters will be cancelled for the day and we hope that we will be ready to resume operations on Wednesday.
“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.”
However, police said on Monday the zoo would likely be closed for “some time”
The zoo offered their thoughts to the staff and their families and have offered trauma counselling to this impacted by the incident.
“We thank staff and outsiders who have helped our staff deal with this sad event, along with those who have passed on their thoughts,” the zoo said.
A homicide investigation has commenced with forensic examination of the scene and a post-mortem examination that will confirm the cause of woman’s death, all underway.
Police said they do not know if the pair were in a relationship but this will form part of the investigation.
Witnesses heard “loud screams” around the kitchen area and responded to the disturbance, ACT Policing Detective Superintendent of Criminal Investigations Hall O’Meagher told reporters.
The knife police allege was used in the stabbing was found at the scene.
Police assured the ACT community the threat was contained to the zoo.
Photos from the scene showed an extensive police response, with investigators interviewing people at the zoo.
The National Zoo & Aquarium is a privately owned 19-hectare zoo and aquarium at the western end of Lake Burley Griffin next to the Scrivener Dam.
[ad_2]
Source link
