The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has launched an inquiry into the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) after allegations of misconduct were made against a senior staff member at Edinburgh Zoo, which is owned by the charity.

Donald Emslie, executive chair of RZSS, said that “unsubstantiated” and “anonymous” allegations regarding Gary Wilson, acting chief executive at Edinburgh Zoo, had been presented to the charity. OSCR was immediately advised and an internal investigation is currently being conducted “at board level”.

The charity was unable to comment on the nature of the allegations, he advised, but added: "Every effort is being made to treat Gary Wilson in a way that is both fair and transparent. This is not a police matter as it is not known if there is any truth to the allegations."

An OSCR spokesperson confirmed that OSCR currently has an open inquiry into the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.  “It is therefore not appropriate for us to comment further,” they said.

Edinburgh Zoo opened in July 1913 and is the main facility for the RZSS. The charity reported an income of over £12m in its last accounts filed in 2010.

“Problems with individuals are not reflective of the amazing work of the charity as a whole,” Emslie said. “Speculation that RZSS could lose charity status is totally unfounded, unsubstantiated and highly unlikely."

Last month the Zoo faced speculation that problems with its management could prevent the upcoming relocation of giant pandas to the Zoo.

"Recent internal issues at the Zoo have no bearing on the operational aspects of the Giant Panda project," RZSS advised in April.