South Lakes Safari Zoo where almost 500 animals died in just FOUR YEARS and tiger keeper was mauled to death WILL stay open
Councillors were 'highly encouraged' by improvements made since the licence was rejected in March
A ZOO where almost 500 animals died in four years and a keeper was mauled to death by a tiger will stay open - despite its licence being rejected.
South Lakes Safari Zoo was due to close after government inspectors slammed it as "inadequate".
It followed a series of incidents including a jaguar that chewed off one of its paws, a rhino that was crushed to death and two snow leopard cubs found partially eaten in their enclosure.
But a new application from Cumbria Zoo Company Limited (CZCL), which has operated the zoo since January, was approved by councillors who were “highly encouraged” by the recent improvements made.
It's after David Gill, the owner and founder of South Lakes Safari Zoo, stepped down from all trading and management activities connected with the zoo.
He has faced criticism for living in luxury nearby, in a million-pound farmstead set in 45 acres of stunning scenery within the Lake District National Park while animals suffered at his zoo.
At a hearing this week, chief executive Karen Brewer told councillors that it was “a new zoo” and that the hard work of “dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate” staff members had paid off.
The committee granted the licence to CZCL – subject to Mr Gill either withdrawing his own licence appeal or surrendering his licence.
CZCL must also ensure an animal director or equivalent is appointed on a full-time basis and must have the ability to make decisions independent of the registered land owner.
It's after seven healthy lion cubs and five young baboons were also “euthanised” because there was not enough room for them.
And 18 Sacred Ibis birds were shot by zoo founder David Gill after he was threatened with prosecution for letting them fly free.