BBC undertakes investigation of South Lakes Safari Zoo

(c) BFF / C Lewis

The BBC investigation published on the 16th of October 2024 highlighted numerous allegations of animal welfare failings and avoidable animal deaths.  

It contained concerning recollections from previous employees and disturbing examples of animal injuries and deaths, including a zebra laying injured on the floor with its hoof stuck in the bars of its enclosure, a capybara with severe wounds across its body, and a giraffe with a bloodied head. There were also claims of food being withheld to encourage animal participation in visitor feeding experiences, and the overstocking of animal enclosures. 

South Lakes Safari Zoo was recently allowed to stay open following a Regulatory Sub-Committee meeting on 22nd July 2024, despite inspectors finding numerous issues across three inspections in four months, prompted by Born Free’s second investigation of the zoo in February 2024.  

Overall, inspectors stated that “there are now major causes for concern” and “many of these problems have a reoccurring theme”. Recent indications imply the zoo has begun addressing the latest issues, however concerns remain as to the likelihood of these issues reoccurring. 

In a joint letter to the Council, the inspectors stated: 

“More recently, the numbers of repeated and on-going Directions speak for volumes. We developed the realisation that the management, despite being in post for a considerable period of time, having received repeated inspections and adverse reports, still are not able to consistently meet the standards required in a modern zoo licensed facility.” 

South Lakes Safari Zoo has been mired with problems dating back to 2013, including the tragic death of a keeper who was killed by a tiger, almost 500 animal deaths in just three years, the controversial breeding and euthanasia of lion cubs, and a revocation of its licence in 2017. The zoo has also been involved in several legal disputes between the owners of the site (Zoo Investment Company) and the tenants (Cumbria Zoo Company Limited). 

Born Free first visited the zoo in 2017, shortly before the zoo had its licence temporarily revoked, and raised concerns with the local licensing authority in respect of animal welfare and visitor health and safety.  

On 17th October 2022, following multiple reports from members of the public through our Raise the Red Flag platform relating to animal welfare and the general running of the zoo, Born Free visited again. Our observations during our visits in 2022 and 2024 suggested the living conditions for animals and associated procedures continue to fail in many respects to meet the standards required under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 or the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. 

Issues previously identified by Born Free and zoo inspectors include: 

• Rhinos being confined to tiny indoor stalls, with access to outdoors operating on a ‘timeshare’ system, resulting in some individuals being confined indoors for over 17 hours per day;

• Inappropriate dietary provision, particularly in the case of the giraffes who are exploited for visitor feeding ‘experiences’;

• Animals observed performing stereotypical behaviours;

• Inadequate heating and UV provision;

• Unnatural animal social groupings and environmental parameters. 

Chris Lewis, Born Free Captivity Research & Policy Manager stated: “The BBC investigation into South Lakes Safari Zoo is a shocking insight into the failings at this facility – a catalogue of allegations of animal welfare failings, avoidable animal deaths and unsatisfactory conditions. Unfortunately, this investigation is just the latest in a damning list of past and present indictments which have not been heeded. All the while, the animals on site are the ones who continue to suffer the consequences of a toothless zoo licensing and inspection process.  

“Born Free has repeatedly highlighted severe concerns relating to the conditions at the zoo, as have other organisations, zoo inspectors and the wider public. Yet the local council have given the zoo’s management chance after chance despite inspectors stating in their view, the zoo’s management are not capable of consistently meeting the standards required. No more second, third or fourth chances. Westmorland & Furness Council must revoke the zoo’s licence and work with other parties to secure appropriate and suitable homes for the remaining animals on site.”