The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is reporting that it concluded a multi-interest visit to the Jamaica Zoo in St Elizabeth yesterday (May 23), following the viral lion-related incident over the weekend. 

NEPA, in a statement last night, said the visit, which included stakeholders from the Veterinary Services Division (VSD) and the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA), forms part of a comprehensive investigation into the incident. 

A man Jamaica Zoo labelled a “contractor” had his right ring finger degloved by the lion after taunting the animal for entertainment purposes.

• READ: Man loses finger to lion at Jamaican ‘zoo’

After meeting with the owner and operator of Jamaica Zoo, Paul Fearon, and his support staff, NEPA indicated that areas of non-compliance with regulatory standards were identified and discussed. 

“Issues of animal health and animal welfare were also identified to be addressed,” added NEPA, though failing to elaborate on the concerns in question. 

“A report on the findings is being prepared for discussion amongst the visiting team to determine the final action to be taken,” NEPA advised. 

See the Agency's statement on the indicent that occured at #JamaicaZoo. pic.twitter.com/jbH1J6zFuD

— NEPA (@nepajamaica) May 24, 2022

NEPA further noted that Jamaica Zoo is in possession of two environmental permits under the National Resource Conservation Authority Act. 

Through those permits, the Lacovia-based facility is allowed to operate with the distinction of a “zoo” and authorised to import and introduce species of flora and fauna or other biological organisms.

Per NEPA, Jamaica Zoo also holds a Wildlife Exemption Certificate issued under the Wildlife Protection Act to house several protected species on its premises, including protected birds. 

Our Today, following the lion incident since videos began circulating of an exhibition tour gone wrong, has been unable to ascertain the condition of the injured contractor. 

Jamaica Zoo Attractions Limited, in its only statement since the now-viral attack, assured it would be “doing everything” to assist the injured man in “moving forward”.

The company insisted the contractor’s actions, as portrayed in the footage, “do not represent the safety procedures and policies that must be adhered to”. 

READ MORE: 

• ‘We would never’: Hope Zoo reacts to shocking lion-taunting video
• ‘Silly, cruel and stupid’: JSPCA boss slams Jamaica Zoo lion-taunting incident
• Lion pride? Jamaica Zoo stands by safety record after viral incident that left contractor without finger