06 Mar 2017
UK zoo refused licence after close to 500 animals die in four years
BY Tom Anstey
A troubled zoo in Cumbria, UK, where it was recently revealed had had close to 500 animals die in its care in less than four years, has been refused a new licence to run it following a unanimous decision by the local council.
South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton had had 486 animals die under its care between 2013 and 2016 – a death rate of roughly 12 per cent during the period.
Tony Callister, chair of the council’s licensing committee, said the decision was made because it was not satisfied that conservation matters referred to in the Zoo Licensing Act would be implemented.
The zoo, which is home to more than 1,500 animals has had its inhabitants die for a number of reasons, including emaciation, hypothermia, electrocution and more.
According to a report on conditions at the attraction, zoo inspectors found “significant problems caused by overcrowding, poor hygiene, poor nutrition, lack of suitable animal husbandry and a lack of any sort of developed veterinary care”, adding that Barrow Council should consider prosecuting zoo founder David Gill under the Animal Welfare Act for allowing animals to suffer.
The zoo has experienced a number of problems in recent times. On 17 December 2015, the council raised several concerns about the zoo, issuing an order to prove within 28 days that walkways were safe. The zoo responded in a statement, with management saying they felt “harassed” to the point that they were unable to continue under such conditions.
The zoo was set to close down permanently on 11 January last year, but the Safari Zoo Nature Foundation – a charity run by the zoo – took up management of the park.
Last June the zoo was fined £255,000 (US$313,000, €295,000) in relation to the death of keeper Sarah McClay, who was mauled to death by a Sumatran tiger in 2013.
The zoo was awarded a six-year licence to operate in June 2010 and the council received an application for renewal from Gill in January 2016. In July the renewal application, saying that Gill was “not a fit and suitable person” to manage the zoo. The ruling was appealed however, meaning the existing licence remained in force until the application was processed or withdrawn.
Another application has now been made by Karen Brewer on behalf of Cumbria Zoo Ltd. Though issued with a formal closure notice, the zoo can remain open temporarily pending a review.
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