The South Lakes Safari Zoo, located in Cumbria, England, has been at the center of a controversy due to concerns over animal welfare and a high number of animal deaths at the facility. Between December 2013 and September 2016, 486 animals died at the zoo, and in 2017, the zoo’s license was revoked due to these issues.
The Tragic Incident and Safety Breaches
In 2013, a tragic incident occurred when keeper Sarah McClay was mauled to death by a tiger at the zoo. The zoo was later fined £297,500 for health and safety breaches related to this incident.
Concerns Raised by Born Free
In October 2022, the international wildlife charity Born Free visited the South Lakes Safari Zoo to investigate the conditions in which the animals are being held. Their report found several concerning issues, including:
- Inappropriate quantities of carrots being fed to giraffes
- Raw meat being left in a bucket outside the tiger enclosure, covered in flies
- Rats being seen in the raccoon and tortoise enclosures
- Rhinos being confined to “tiny stalls” with only enough room to turn around, and not provided with any outdoor space
The Zoo’s Response and Upcoming Inspection
Despite these findings, a spokesperson for the South Lakes Safari Zoo denied the claims and highlighted that 35 inspectors have visited the zoo since 2017, with overwhelmingly positive outcomes. However, Barrow Borough Council, the licensing authority for the facility, has announced that they will carry out an inspection on the 17th of November 2022, along with Defra appointed zoo inspectors.
Born Free’s Concerns about Zoo Inspections
Born Free remains concerned about the current structure and process involved in zoo inspections throughout the UK, including the prior warning that zoos receive ahead of inspections. They have called for a hybrid system of announced and unannounced visits similar to those employed under human health and social care regulations to provide inspectors with a greater insight into the running of a particular zoo.
The Legal Dispute and Lease Agreement
In addition to the concerns over animal welfare, the South Lakes Safari Zoo is also involved in a legal dispute relating to alleged breaches of the lease agreement between the owners of the site and the tenants.
Conclusion
The South Lakes Safari Zoo has been the subject of significant controversy due to concerns over animal welfare and a high number of animal deaths. While the zoo has denied the claims made by Born Free, the upcoming inspection by Barrow Borough Council and Defra appointed inspectors will be closely watched. Born Free’s call for a more robust inspection system highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of zoos across the UK.