South Lakes Safari Zoo Landowners Pledge ‘Urgent’ Animal Welfare Enhancements

The proprietors of the land where a zoo, which has been the subject of animal welfare concerns, is located have stated that “urgent” efforts will be undertaken to enhance animal conditions following its closure. South Lakes Safari Zoo, situated close to Dalton, Cumbria, is scheduled to cease operations on December 31. Its current operator, Cumbria Zoo Company Limited (CZCL), intends to concentrate its efforts on a different location 40 miles (65km) distant in Tebay. The Dalton property is under the ownership of Zoo Investment Company (ZIC), a distinct entity that declared its intention to “immediately take responsibility and care” for all animals that stay on the premises. CZCL verified its collaboration with multiple agencies to facilitate the smoothest possible closure process. A cautionary note: This report includes visuals depicting animal injuries that some individuals may find upsetting. Since 2017, the company has held the zoo’s operating licence, yet it has faced accusations of presiding over preventable animal fatalities, injuries, and a hostile work environment. It refutes all these claims. A disagreement had existed between the company and ZIC, with council inspectors indicating that this conflict had exacerbated issues at the zoo. In a formal statement, ZIC communicated that the premises would stay inaccessible to the public as it undertakes “urgent repairs concentrating on improving animal welfare”. “Much of what we want to do with the zoo will take some time and investment with the emphasis on providing larger and more natural enclosures with welfare of the animals being the prime consideration,” ZIC further stated. ZIC also mentioned that a court order, originally issued in 2021 to prohibit CZCL from relocating specific animals, “remains in place”. According to ZIC, white rhinos will not be transferred to CZCL, and several other animals on loan to the facility will similarly stay under ZIC’s management. Four giraffes, owned by two French zoos, are slated to be relocated to new residences. Three female giraffes will be sent back to France, whereas the male will stay within the UK. Karen Brewer, CZCL’s chief executive, stated that their lease for the Dalton property is valid until February 2026. She added that until that time, the company would “be doing everything we can to make sure all animals are moved in a caring, secure manner and where necessary with the full consent of the owners of those animals on loan from other institutions”. CZCL assumed control of the zoo’s operations in 2017 after the prior owner, David Gill, was denied a licence. This refusal followed the deaths of nearly 500 animals over a three-year span and the 2013 fatality of keeper Sarah McClay, who was attacked by a tiger. In July, Westmorland and Furness Council imposed additional conditions on the zoo’s licence subsequent to inspectors identifying “major causes for concern,” such as a work experience student being unsupervised with hazardous animals. The company aims to operate its Brockholes Farm site in Tebay as a nature and wildlife park. It has submitted a planning application to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, filed under the name New Roots Holding Company Ltd. These plans indicate that the facility would accommodate animals such as white rhinos, honey badgers, zebras, red pandas, sloths, giraffes, and lynx. Additionally, farm animals including sheep, goats, and donkeys would be present. Entry would be restricted through pre-booked tickets, and certain visitors would have the option of staying in holiday accommodation located on the premises. For updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.