South Lakes Safari Zoo, located in Cumbria, UK, has faced significant criticism and concerns regarding animal welfare over the years. The zoo has been involved in various issues since 2013, including the death of a keeper, high rates of animal deaths, controversial breeding and euthanasia of lion cubs, and the revocation of its license in 2017. Despite some improvements, inspectors continue to identify numerous issues, and animal welfare organizations have received ongoing complaints about the facility.
Concerns Raised About South Lakes Zoo Animal Welfare
A recent investigation by Born Free in October 2022 revealed several concerns about the welfare of animals at South Lakes Safari Zoo. These include:
- Animal Social Groupings: Inspectors found issues with the social grouping of animals, which can have a significant impact on their well-being.
- Health Care: Concerns were raised about the level of health care provided to the animals, including the availability of veterinary services and the monitoring of animal health.
- Enclosure Capacity: The investigation found that some enclosures may not be able to accommodate the animals they house, potentially leading to overcrowding and stress.
- Food Hygiene: Inspectors identified issues with the storage and preparation of animal food, which could pose health risks to the animals.
- Pest Control: The presence of pests, such as rodents, in the zoo’s facilities was a concern, as they can carry diseases and disrupt the animals’ environment.
- Heat and UV Provision: Ensuring that animals have access to appropriate levels of heat and UV light is crucial for their health and well-being, but the investigation found potential issues in this area.
- Visitor-Animal Contact: The level of interaction between visitors and animals was a concern, as it can be stressful for the animals and potentially pose safety risks.
- Security: The investigation raised questions about the overall security of the zoo, which is important for the protection of both the animals and the public.
Ongoing Inspections and Licensing Concerns
In response to these concerns, Barrow-In-Furness Council, the licensing authority for South Lakes Safari Zoo, has announced an inspection on November 17, 2022, which Born Free has welcomed. Additionally, in April 2024, Westmorland and Furness Council stated that it would investigate concerns raised by an animal rights group about the zoo, and the council has been urged to remove the zoo’s license due to uncovered animal welfare issues.
Conservation Efforts and Donation Opportunities
Despite the ongoing concerns, South Lakes Safari Zoo does support wildlife conservation through initiatives like the Kordofan Giraffe Project in Cameroon and the Care for Wild Rhino Orphanage. Visitors can make donations to support these projects, with specific amounts contributing to various aspects of animal care, as shown in the table below:
| Donation Amount | Contribution |
|---|---|
| £1 | Buys 2 teats to help feed hand-reared orphans |
| £5 | Provides an orphaned Rhino with Lucerne to eat for one month |
| £14 | Funds the fuel to heat the Rhino houses at night for one month |
| £2.11 | Funds a Red Panda Forest Guardian for one day |
| £14.77 | Funds a Red Panda Forest Guardian for one week |
| £63.30 | Funds a Red Panda Forest Guardian for one month |
| £1,000 | Annual Target for Red Panda Network |
| £4,000 | Annual Target for Kordofan Giraffe Project, Cameroon |
By supporting these conservation initiatives, visitors can contribute to the protection and well-being of the animals at South Lakes Safari Zoo and beyond.
Conclusion
South Lakes Safari Zoo has faced ongoing challenges and concerns regarding animal welfare, with inspectors and animal welfare organizations identifying a range of issues. While the zoo has made some efforts to address these concerns, including supporting conservation initiatives, the continued scrutiny and potential licensing issues suggest that more work is needed to ensure the well-being of the animals in its care. As visitors and supporters of the zoo, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments and to advocate for the highest standards of animal welfare.