Dubbo Covid patient charged with trashing zoo quarantine facility

A woman in regional NSW will face court after she allegedly caused extensive damage and refused to remain in isolation at Taronga Western Plains Zoo after contracting Covid.

A 34-year-old woman who contracted Covid and was put up in taxpayer-funded quarantine at a regional NSW zoo has been charged with trashing the facility.

According to court documents the Dubbo woman, who normally resided at the Poplars Caravan Park on Bultje Street, was charged with failing to comply with the Covid public health order and destroy or damage property offences on September 18.

The Savannah Cabins are located adjacent to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Picture: Toby Zerna

The woman had been diagnosed with Covid and was placed into temporary NSW Health accommodation which was established in 15 cabins at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, which are normally hired out from $269 a night.

An Orana Mid-Western Police District spokeswoman told The Dubbo News police received reports a cabin at the Obley Road facility had been allegedly damaged by the woman on September 17.

A picture taken inside one of the Savannah Cabins in 2015. Picture: Toby Zerna

Police went to the zoo the next day and the woman was charged.

A Zoo spokeswoman said an estimate of the damage bill could not be provided.

“During the outbreak, NSW Health was responsible for the direct management of the zoo’s Savannah Cabins, including guests,” she said.

“We therefore do not have information on how many people stayed during this time.

“The Savannah Cabins have been recently returned to zoo management. We are now in the process of deep cleaning and have assessed the condition of all 15 cabins … one cabin will require some repair work, but will be ready ahead of the cabin’s reopening on November 1.”

The cabins at the zoo are being deep cleaned. Picture: Toby Zerna

The spokeswoman said the other 14 cabins were in “good condition with minor maintenance work required”.

“We are also taking the opportunity to complete scheduled maintenance to all cabins such as repainting

“All linen and soft furnishings will be replaced.

“Taronga Western Plains Zoo is proud to have been able to support the local community during a time of need.”

The woman has not entered pleas to the charges and her case will next be mentioned in court on Wednesday.