South Lakes Safari Zoo allowed to stay open after nearly 500 animal deaths

A Cumbrian zoo where almost 500 animals died in four years has been given permission to stay open.

South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton-in-Furness was denied a licence in March after it emerged 486 animals died between January 2013 and September 2016, including three which were run over by a miniature railway train.

Inspectors said they were "dismayed" by conditions at the zoo, adding that the deaths showed "a clear picture of poor management".

Despite this, the zoo will remain open after new operator Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd had its application for a licence approved by councillors in Barrow.

Licensing committee members were told that the same inspection team revisited the zoo and was "highly encouraged" by recent improvements.

They heard that founder David Gill had stepped away from management and trading activities, but inspectors said there "might be some concern" the current management team was similar to one that worked under Mr Gill.

Chief executive Karen Brewer told the hearing it was "a new zoo", adding it was the first time she could "truly say these are my own thoughts rather than those of my previous employer".

She said inspectors had recognised "significant" improvements and paid tribute to the hard work of "dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate" staff members.

Asking councillors to refuse the application, Captive Animals’ Protection Society officer Maddy Taylor said the changes were "too little too late".

She added: "It is clear that the right thing to do by the animals, whose lives are at stake here, is to refuse the applicant."

Barrow Borough Council’s decision was subject to Mr Gill either withdrawing a licence appeal or surrendering his licence.

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd must also appoint a full-time animal director that has the ability to make decisions independent of the registered land owner.

South Lakes Safari Zoo remained open during the licence appeal process.

In June 2016, it was fined £255,000 for health and safety failings after zookeeper Sarah McClay was killed by a tiger.

Miss McClay’s mother, Fiona, said the council’s decision was a "positive step for Furness and the zoo".

She said: "We were never for closure of the zoo, we were for the health and safety of staff and the animals.

"That clearly was not in place when my daughter died and I think we have seen today that things are going to be put into place – and if not, we will be back here."

(c) Sky News 2017: South Lakes Safari Zoo allowed to stay open after nearly 500 animal deaths