South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria will close by year-end amid ongoing animal welfare concerns and a tragic history of incidents
Cumbria: So, it looks like the South Lakes Safari Zoo, which has been called the worst zoo in the UK, is finally shutting down. This decision comes after years of complaints about how the animals were treated and some pretty dangerous working conditions.
The zoo will close its doors for good on December 31. Over the years, there have been serious claims about animal deaths, neglect, and even disease. It’s been a rough ride for them.
You might remember the tragic story from 2013 when a keeper named Sarah McClay was killed by a tiger. The zoo got hit with a hefty fine for safety violations after that. And just a few years later, a report revealed that nearly 500 animals had died in just three years. That’s a lot of loss.
They announced the closure on Facebook, saying it would be a disappointment for many visitors. But they’re inviting everyone to come celebrate what they’ve done in their last few weeks.
Interestingly, their statement didn’t really address the serious allegations against them. Instead, they focused on some of their achievements, like helping White Rhinos and performing surgeries on animals.
A recent BBC investigation found some pretty shocking stuff, like overcrowded enclosures and animals in distress. The zoo denied these claims, but it’s hard to ignore the reports of poor conditions, like a meerkat that looked emaciated and a newborn kangaroo that tragically drowned.
In 2017, a new company took over the zoo after the previous owner lost his license due to all the animal deaths. But even with new management, the allegations didn’t stop. Several former employees said animals were suffering and that many deaths could have been avoided.
Animal rights groups have been vocal about the zoo’s failings. Undercover footage showed a keeper discussing a kangaroo’s death, which was linked to stress and poor diet. It’s just heartbreaking.
As the zoo prepares to close, they’re inviting members to come for guided tours in December to say goodbye to the animals. They’re also planning to move some animals to a new site in Tebay, which they say will be better for the animals.
While the zoo insists they’re compliant with regulations, the council is still keeping a close eye on things. They’ve confirmed that the zoo will remain licensed during the transition, but it’s clear that this closure is a long time coming.