A zookeeper who resigned after struggling to identify breeds of monkeys has lost her compensation claim at an employment tribunal. Lisa O'Hara, 36, alleged she faced 'degrading' treatment and 'excessive scrutiny' while working at Edinburgh Zoo.
O'Hara worked in the 'Bundongo' and 'Living Links' sections, caring for squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, goats, and gibbons. She received training to identify capuchin monkeys but failed a probationary assessment and required extra time. She resigned in February 2025, less than a year after starting in April 2024.
At a 12-day hearing, O'Hara claimed she was excluded from her team, denied reasonable adjustments for her ADHD, and faced repeated criticism. Her manager, Callum Gibson, said identifying animals was vital for their welfare. He told her: 'You have to start taking responsibility for yourself with training.'
O'Hara also alleged a colleague told her to 'mask' her ADHD, which she found discriminatory. She described being ostracised, eating alone, and being monitored via CCTV for lateness. She raised eight complaints, including health and safety concerns about ladder use.
Employment Judge Brian Campbell dismissed all claims, ruling O'Hara failed to prove her case. The judgment stated: 'When applying the relevant legal tests... it was determined that they were unsuccessful.' Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: 'We are pleased that the tribunal agreed with our position.'
