South Lakes Safari Zoo is a 51-acre (21 ha) zoo located in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, England, on the outskirts of Barrow-in-Furness. It is home to over 1,000 animals from more than 150 species, making it a diverse and exciting destination for animal lovers.
Getting to South Lakes Safari Zoo
The zoo can be easily reached by train, with the nearest station being Dalton, which is served by Northern services throughout the day. From the station, it is a 30-minute walk along Melton Terrace to reach the zoo, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the region and beyond.
The Zoo’s History and Improvements
In 2017, the zoo underwent a change in ownership following concerns over animal welfare and the death of an employee. Under the previous ownership, the zoo had been the subject of numerous controversies, including over 500 animal deaths in four years, many of which were preventable. Following a report to Barrow Borough Council’s licensing committee, the previous owner was refused a license renewal, and the zoo remained in business while the Cumbria Zoo Ltd license application was assessed.
In January 2018, the RSPCA ended its investigations into the Zoo, happy that the new owners had made significant improvements to it. A BBC Two programme, ‘Trouble at the Zoo’, documented the new managements efforts to reform the zoo in February 2018. A further inspection in May 2018 was satisfied that further improvements had been achieved, with a “marked improvement” in animal welfare.
Visiting the South Lakes Safari Zoo
For those planning a visit to the zoo, it is open every day except Christmas Day, from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission prices vary depending on age, with children under 3 years old admitted for free, and discounts available for groups of 15 or more paying visitors booked in advance. Pre-purchase meal vouchers for your group and get 10% off meals in the Maki Café, and free all-day coach parking is available on-site.
Diverse Animal Collection
South Lakes Safari Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from more than 150 species, making it a diverse and exciting destination for animal lovers. The zoo’s collection includes a wide range of animals, from big cats like lions and tigers to smaller creatures like meerkats and monkeys. Visitors can also see a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as some unique and endangered species.
Conservation and Animal Welfare
The South Lakes Safari Zoo is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), indicating its commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The zoo has made significant improvements in this area since the change in ownership in 2017, with the RSPCA and other regulatory bodies satisfied with the new management’s efforts to prioritize animal welfare.
Conclusion
In summary, South Lakes Safari Zoo is a unique and exciting destination for animal lovers, with a diverse range of species and a commitment to conservation and animal welfare. Following changes in ownership in 2017, the zoo has seen significant improvements in animal welfare, making it a responsible and enjoyable choice for a day out.
References:
– South Lakes Safari Zoo on TripAdvisor
– South Lakes Safari Zoo on Wikipedia
– Getting to South Lakes Safari Zoo by Train
– Directions to South Lakes Safari Zoo
– Official South Lakes Safari Zoo Website