Cumbrian zoo where 500 animals died controversially granted new licence

A controversial zoo where almost 500 animals died in less than four years has been granted a new license by authorities.

A damning report on South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, released earlier this year, revealed that 486 animals died of causes including hypothermia and emaciation between December 2013 and 2016.

David Gill, the founder of the zoo, was refused a license in March this year after he handed the attraction over to a new company, Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd, in January.

But Barrow Borough Council has now handed a fresh license to the company after a recent inspection showed encouraging signs of improvement.

In a report handed to the council earlier this month, government-appointed inspectors praised ‘the palpable change of culture and attitude of all staff, their level of engagement, dedication and enthusiasm, and ambitious plans to move forward now that the owner/previous director is no longer involved.’

The turnaround in fortunes comes only a year after the zoo was fined £255,000 for health & safety breaches after animal keeper Sarah McClay, 24, was mauled to death by a sumatran tiger.

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A damning report had also revealed that two snow leopard cubs, Miska and Natasja, were discovered partially eaten in their enclosure.

Despite the apparent improvements, the Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS) remains strongly critical of the zoo.

In a statement, the group said: ‘Four out of eight of the new directors of Cumbria Zoo Ltd are past directors or key managers at South Lakes Safari zoo.

‘The CEO of Cumbria zoo, Karen Brewer, has been present at South Lakes Safari zoo inspections as far back as 2011. At these inspections, inspectors have raised varying degrees of animal welfare concerns and deaths.’