Ben Pearson, from World Animal Protection, says he has an additional concern: "What happens if this private zoo goes bankrupt? Zoos Victoria [in Melbourne] and Sydney's Taronga Zoo are publicly funded so they're able to to maintain high welfare standards.

"If Sydney Zoo goes bust, the elephant they shipped all the way from Dublin will likely have to be shipped back, adding to its distress."

Animal rights group Peta has said the new zoo is "nothing to celebrate" and that "Australians passionate about wild animals" should donate to organisations supporting animals in the wild instead.