A Californian zoo has sparked an angry outcry after it used New Zealand natives to launch a new Australian-themed exhibit.
Social media went into meltdown after San Diego Zoo Safari Park posted a sneak preview video of its $17.4 million Walkabout Australia exhibit on its Facebook page on Friday.
Much to viewers’ surprise, the video began with a group of Maori dancers performing.
It prompted an uproar online, where viewers were quick to point out the embarrassing cultural mix-up.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s sneak preview video of its new Australian exhibit starts with a performance from Maori dancers (pictured)
‘The indigenous people of Australia are Aborigines. An entirely different race. If people from Australia see a Maori in that exhibit there will be hell to pay. If a New. Zealander sees it – no words for what may ensue!
Another added: ‘Very different cultures. I think you should have done a little more research and I’m very disappointed and feel let down that you didn’t.’
Many commenters were offended and appalled.
‘Your attempt at cultural appropriation is wrong, rude, and offensive. The Maori are from New Zealand, and for you to completely ignore the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people who are the traditional custodians of Australian land is a joke,’ one person commented.
Another added: ‘You just offended 4.6 million New Zealanders and about 25 million Australians. Us Kiwis (New Zealanders) are getting sick of you repeating the same incorrect information.’
San Diego Zoo Safari Park has since apologised for the cultural mix-up
Many people were quick to point out the glaring error
Was it ignorant or offensive? The zoo’ssneak preview video confused many people on socuial media
One commenter suggested that the tourist attraction change its name to Trump Zoo
In response to the barrage of comments, the zoo repeatedly replied that Maori were ‘native’ to both nations but was later forced to edit its Facebook comment to express its remorse.
‘Our sincere apologies. We were given incorrect information. The various entertainment featured recently in Walkabout Australia is a preview of our upcoming event Summer Safari, which features entertainment from all over the globe,’ the zoo posted.
Zoo animal care manager Steve Metzler said he was not made aware of comments from the public about the presence of Māori dancers at the exhibition’s opening, according to Stuff.
He added animals were his forte but was aware Māori were from New Zealand.
The star attraction of the new 3.6 acre exhibit is the walk-through kangaroo and wallaby exhibit.
The star attraction of the new zoo’s 3.6 acre exhibit is the walk-through kangaroo and wallaby exhibit
Wombats, kookaburras, echidnas, blue-tongued skinks, cockatoos, cassowaries and sugar gliders are also featured, along with a rainforest habitat and rustic building representing the wool shearing sheds found on Australia’s sheep stations.
Even the toilets, or ‘dunnies,’ replicate old outhouses found in the Australian outback.
‘Australia is an extraordinary place, and we are thrilled to provide a snapshot of some of the wonders from Down Under,’ San Diego Zoo Safari director Park Lisa Peterson said.
‘They can walk around and see the kangaroo, wallaby and birds in a way they might be able to see them if they could join them in nature.’