Calls for Council Intervention at South Lakes Safari Zoo Amid Welfare Concerns

Veterinarians, campaigners, and actors have urged a council to take “immediate and decisive” action at a zoo due to concerns over animal welfare issues. In October, a BBC investigation uncovered allegations of preventable animal deaths, welfare problems, and a hostile work environment at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, claims which the zoo refutes. Westmorland and Furness Council stated its obligation to ensure the zoo’s adherence to its licence conditions, while clarifying it lacked the legal authority to revoke the licence. In response, zoo management asserted that the initiatives by Freedom for Animals were “driven by a hard line anti-captivity agenda,” further stating that animal welfare consistently remained its “top priority.” A cautionary note: This report includes visuals depicting animal injuries that some individuals may find upsetting. In a report published last month, ex-zoo staff presented the BBC with photographs and videos that they claim illustrate animal injuries and deaths. CZCL declared that it “wholly denied and disputed” ever having participated in any activities resulting in the “death, injury or poor treatment of animals.” Furthermore, the BBC received allegations of a bullying environment where employees were reportedly “completely broken” and “in tears.” CZCL rejected these assertions. During an unannounced inspection conducted by Westmorland and Furness Council in March of this year, a concern was raised that rhinos had been confined indoors for over 17 consecutive hours. A subsequent inspection in April highlighted “grave concerns” and observed a decline in standards over the preceding three-year period. However, by June, a follow-up visit by the council indicated compliance with 26 out of 28 improvement directives. This Monday, a collective of 33 animal protection organizations, veterinarians, academics, and public figures, notably actors Peter Egan and Carol Royale, addressed a letter to the council, insisting on the permanent revocation of the zoo’s operating licence. The correspondence, spearheaded by the charity Freedom for Animals, urged the council to undertake “immediate and decisive” action. The letter requested that the authority assist in transferring all captive animals to suitable and accredited sanctuaries. Westmorland and Furness Council explained that legislative changes in 2003 eliminated local authorities’ capacity to suspend or revoke zoo licences, instead introducing new powers to enforce stricter conditions. A spokesperson clarified that councils retain the authority to close zoos, but solely if the establishments do not implement necessary modifications or if “the situation was so bad that a zoo was deemed to be disorderly or an operator had been convicted of a criminal offence.” The authority confirmed it continues to monitor and inspect the zoo, and certain conditions have been imposed, yet they added that “there was no evidence of the serious systemic animal health and welfare problems that characterised the collection in the past’.” Karen Brewer, the zoo’s director, stated that it “continued to operate the zoo in compliance with all regulatory requirements.” She also commented that Freedom for Animals’ actions were “driven by a hard line anti-captivity agenda.” Ms Brewer further remarked, “We have had three council inspections in the last 12 months, during which our ‘excellent veterinary programme’ has been noted and we have continued making improvements to satisfy the conditions of our zoo licence.” Readers can follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram, and submit story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.