UK zoo refused licence after close to 500 animals die in four years
A troubled zoo in Cumbria, UK, where it was recently revealed had had close to 500 animals die in its care in less than four years, has been refused a new licence to run it following a unanimous decision by the local council.
South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton had had 486 animals die under its care between 2013 and 2016 – a death rate of roughly 12 per cent during the period.
Tony Callister, chair of the council’s licensing committee, said the decision was made because it was not satisfied that conservation matters referred to in the Zoo Licensing Act would be implemented.
The zoo, which is home to more than 1,500 animals has had its inhabitants die for a number of reasons, including emaciation, hypothermia, electrocution and more.
According to a report on conditions at the attraction, zoo inspectors found “significant problems caused by overcrowding, poor hygiene, poor nutrition, lack of suitable animal husbandry and a lack of any sort of developed veterinary care”, adding that Barrow Council should consider prosecuting zoo founder David Gill under the Animal Welfare Act for allowing animals to suffer.
The zoo has experienced a number of problems in recent times. On 17 December 2015, the council raised several concerns about the zoo, issuing an order to prove within 28 days that walkways were safe. The zoo responded in a statement, with management saying they felt “harassed” to the point that they were unable to continue under such conditions.
The zoo was set to close down permanently on 11 January last year, but the Safari Zoo Nature Foundation – a charity run by the zoo – took up management of the park.
Last June the zoo was fined £255,000 (US$313,000, €295,000) in relation to the death of keeper Sarah McClay, who was mauled to death by a Sumatran tiger in 2013.
The zoo was awarded a six-year licence to operate in June 2010 and the council received an application for renewal from Gill in January 2016. In July the renewal application, saying that Gill was “not a fit and suitable person” to manage the zoo. The ruling was appealed however, meaning the existing licence remained in force until the application was processed or withdrawn.
Another application has now been made by Karen Brewer on behalf of Cumbria Zoo Ltd. Though issued with a formal closure notice, the zoo can remain open temporarily pending a review.
Zoo Cumbria visitor attractions zoo aquarium Sarah McClay Cumbria Zoo South Lakes Safari Zoo David GillCumbria zoo will not close permanently, assets handed to charity
Council dispute closes down Cumbria zoo
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
From climate change to resource scarcity, Exploration Architecture uses biomimicry to address some of the world’s major challenges. Its founder tells us how