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A zoo dubbed “Britain’s worst” after the deaths of hundreds of animals suddenly announced it would close today following fresh allegations of cruelty.
A series of tragic losses at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, including animals hit by a miniature train or electrocuted by a fence, sparked outrage directed at its colorful millionaire founder, David Gill.
But the attraction, previously fined £255,000 after a tiger killed a keeper, was granted a new license in 2017 after he agreed to cut ties.
However, heartbreaking photographs showing dead and injured animals were revealed in October.
Among them were a capybara covered in cuts supposedly caused by fights and a zebra with its hoof caught in the bars of its enclosure which later had to be put down.
This follows an alarming inspection report in July which found “major causes of concern”, including a trainee who was left alone with dangerous animals.
Conservation groups yesterday welcomed the shock announcement that the attraction, now called Safari Zoo, would close at the end of the year.
But since many animals were to be moved to a wildlife park run by the same company, they demanded guarantees that they would be treated humanely.
A series of tragic losses at Cumbria’s South Lakes Safari Zoo, including animals hit by a miniature train or electrocuted by a fence, sparked outrage directed at its colorful millionaire founder, David Gill.
In October, heartbreaking photographs showing dead and injured animals were revealed.
The news follows an alarming inspection report in July that found “significant cause for concern” at the zoo.
Chris Lewis, director of captivity policy and research at wildlife charity Born Free, which has been campaigning for the zoo’s closure, said: “While we are pleased to see today’s announcement, the exact details about the future of the animals and the site itself remain unclear.
“Born Free urges all parties to work together to ensure that the welfare of the animals remains paramount until such time as appropriate and suitable homes can be secured for them.”
Freedom for Animals, formerly the Captive Animal Protection Society, said it was “incredible news.”
But he asked for assurances that “all zoo animals are rehoused in appropriate sanctuaries, where they can receive the care they deserve and live freely.”
Karen Brewer, chief executive of Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd, which took over the Dalton-in-Furness-based zoo in 2017, insists it met all regulatory requirements.
But yesterday he said the company was now looking to focus on a 120-acre site 40 miles away in Tebay, which will operate as a nature and wildlife park.
“In the transition, all animals will continue to be cared for and receive the best veterinary care,” he told the BBC.
“We are working with several agencies, including two zoo consultants, to find them new homes that are appropriate for their long-term needs.”
Reported incidents included a capybara covered in cuts supposedly caused by fighting and a zebra with its hoof caught in the bars of its enclosure which later had to be euthanized.
Former Ferrari owner Mr Gill, who appointed his Peruvian beauty queen third wife as chief veterinarian, was criticized for his ‘deplorable’ welfare standards
A young monkey clings to mesh under a heat lamp at the zoo amid concerns that its habitat is not kept warm enough.
In 2017 it was learned that almost 500 animals had died in just three years.
The death toll included a jaguar that bit off its own paw, a rhino killed by its companion and a giraffe shot after collapsing.
Former Ferrari owner Mr Gill, who appointed his Peruvian beauty queen third wife as chief veterinarian, was criticized for his “deplorable” welfare standards.
The struggles of the new management were later shown in the BBC2 documentary Trouble At The Zoo.
An undercover visit by Born Free experts in 2022 raised a number of concerns, including monkeys clinging to the edge of their enclosures to get close to heat lamps, rhinos confined to small stalls that could barely turn around, and an Andean bear seen swinging and testing. an electric fence with his paw.
Cumbria Zoo Company previously said it “refuted” concerns about animal welfare.