A man has been charged with murder after his female co-worker was found stabbed to death at a Canberra zoo.
The 29-year-old Oaks Estate man was taken to Canberra Hospital under police guard on Dec. 18 with self-inflicted wounds after a woman’s body was found at the National Zoo and Aquarium about 12.50pm.
Emergency services were called to the zoo after people heard “loud screams” coming from the commercial kitchen area, with a 29-year-old worker found stabbed to death.
A knife was found at the scene.
The employee of the zoo was refused bail during a bedside hearing.
A Royal Bhutanese Embassy spokeswoman confirmed the woman was a citizen of her country, and that the embassy was in close contact with the family.
“The close-knit Bhutanese community in Canberra is deeply affected by this tragic incident involving a member of our community and is rallying around the bereaved family during this very difficult period,” she said.
“On behalf of the family and our community, we request that the media respect their privacy and allow them space to grieve this extremely tragic and sad loss.”
ACT police on Monday said it was unknown if the pair were in a relationship.
In a social media statement released on Monday night, representatives from the zoo said it would be closed on Dec. 19 following the “incredibly sad events”, with operations to resume on Dec. 20.
“The National Zoo and Aquarium experienced a tragic event on Monday involving staff members,” it said in a Facebook post.
“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.
“Our thoughts are with the families along with those staff affected in one way or another.”
All zoo staff have been offered access to trauma counselling and have been given the option of returning to work on Wednesday.
The zoo’s Jamala wildlife lodge will remain closed until December 30 and reopen “subject to staff sentiments and availability”.
Police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
The man will next face court on April 4.
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