Bern, Switzerland – The death of Saluk, a seal at Bern Animal Park, was not due to human error. This is the conclusion reached by the Bern City Council following a detailed investigation into the incident. Saluk died after not waking up from anesthesia following surgery to remove a foreign object from its stomach.
Key Takeaways
- Seehund Saluk died after surgery for a swallowed foreign object.
- The Bern City Council concluded no human error caused the death.
- A silicone part from the new seal enclosure's sealing was swallowed.
- The cause of the sealing detaching was an unexpected material incompatibility.
- The animal park's new facility is considered exemplary despite the incident.
Investigation into Saluk's Passing
Saluk, the male seal, had experienced significant weight loss in a short period. This prompted veterinarians at the Bern Animal Park to conduct a thorough examination. During this check, a foreign object was discovered inside the animal's stomach.
The decision was made to perform surgery to remove the object. Sadly, Saluk did not recover from the anesthesia administered during the procedure, leading to its death.
Fact Check
The foreign object swallowed by Saluk was a silicone part. It came from a sealing in the newly renovated seal enclosure at Bern Animal Park.
Questions Raised by City Council Member
Following Saluk's death, Tobias Sennhauser, a Bern City Council member from the 'Tier im Fokus' (Animal in Focus) group, submitted an interpellation. He sought answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sennhauser questioned why the foreign body was only discovered after Saluk suffered severe weight loss. He also inquired about the possibility of human error during the medical treatment. Furthermore, questions were raised about the responsibility of the companies involved in the construction of the new seal facility.
Background on the Enclosure
The Bern Animal Park had recently opened a newly renovated seal enclosure. It was promoted as a particularly modern facility. The incident involved a part of the window sealing detaching from this new structure.
Council's Response and Findings
The Bern City Council has now provided its official response. It states that a foreign body in the stomach not causing immediate discomfort is difficult to detect during routine daily animal care and veterinary checks.
The preliminary investigations indicate that there was no human error in Saluk's medical treatment that directly caused its death. This finding addresses a key concern raised by City Council member Sennhauser.
"The previous investigations have led to the interim conclusion that no human error in Saluk's medical treatment was the cause of its death," the Bern City Council stated in its public response.
Material Issues and Facility Standards
The council further explained the cause of the detached sealing. It was attributed to an unexpected material incompatibility. The Bern Animal Park and the companies involved have initiated a joint analysis to understand this issue fully. Structural adjustments are currently being implemented to prevent similar incidents.
Despite the tragic event, the Bern City Council maintains that the new seal enclosure at the animal park is exemplary. They believe it meets, and even exceeds, animal welfare requirements.
Risk Assessment
Animal park management acknowledges that a residual risk cannot be entirely excluded in the construction of such facilities. However, they note that the incident with Saluk highlights the serious consequences these risks can have.
Commitment to Animal Welfare
The Bern City Council, the animal park director, and all staff involved expressed deep regret over the incident. They emphasized their commitment to the welfare of the animals under their care.
The statement from the council underscores that even with extensive expertise and scientific dedication, risks cannot be completely eliminated in any form of animal husbandry, regardless of the high level of care taken.
- The new seal facility meets animal welfare standards.
- A joint analysis with construction firms is ongoing.
- Structural adjustments are being made to the enclosure.
Public Reaction and Future Outlook
The death of Saluk sparked public discussion about wild animals in zoos and animal parks. Many expressed sadness, while others debated the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity.
The animal park continues to review its practices and infrastructure. The goal is to ensure the highest safety and welfare standards for all its inhabitants. This commitment extends to learning from unfortunate events like Saluk's passing to improve future operations.