Police said the skids and burnouts posed an extreme fire risk. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Drivers performing skids and burnouts outside a Christchurch zoo have so spooked its resident farmyard animals that some have been running into fences and suffering serious injuries.
Orana Wildlife Park spokesperson Nathan Hawke said some animals had suffered serious abrasions and bruising.
"Our team is very concerned about this behaviour. Some of the animals we're privileged to hold are rather delicate little creatures and so the activity unfortunately is causing concern for us and animal welfare concerns for our lovely animals."
Hawke said the vehicle noise had left other animals at the park stressed, which could affect their breeding in upcoming seasons.
"In other cases, injuries may not necessarily be visible, because the animals we're privileged to hold are renowned for internalising stress, and the impacts of that could manifest itself later and have long-lasting effects."
Police said the skids and burnouts posed an extreme fire risk, which could have potentially devastating effects on the park.
Officers have identified 16 vehicles involved in the offending, and have so far impounded 10.