24 Dec 2015
Council dispute closes down Cumbria zoo
BY Tom Anstey
A zoo in Cumbria, UK, is to close its doors on 9 January after a number of disputes with the local council.
Barrow Borough Council raised several concerns about South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton, including the close proximity of rhino dung to a fence and the safety of the attraction’s walkways. The council issued an order to the zoo on 17 December to prove within 28 days that walkways were safe.
In a lengthy statement posted on the zoo’s Facebook page, management said they felt “harassed” to the point that they were unable to continue under such conditions.
An inspector had showed the council images of rotting wood, also noting 20 slips and trips on the zoo’s accident book, though the zoo says there is one listed accident in 2015. In addition the council said a pile of rhino dung near a fence provided a possible escape route for baboons, though the zoo says that with the dung always piled there, there hadn’t been an incident in 16 years.
"We assure everyone that the zoo is safe and there is no evidence whatsoever to say otherwise,” said the statement.
"We are being subjected to an unprecedented attack and attempt to undermine our credibility and professionalism at every chance created.
"Fear of prosecution at every email or letter in the post is no way to be working in any business and that is exactly how we feel in our office.
"The management team cannot work under these conditions and hence the decisions made."
In a second statement, the zoo said if the council failed to support the zoo, 100 employees would lose their jobs. The statement also said that zoo boss David Gill will retire at Christmas, having taken a back seat for the last decade.
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