In another lengthy statement posted on Facebook, the team from South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton announced boss David Gill is to retire; and claimed if Barrow Borough Council didn’t support them, 100 employees could lose their jobs and the popular tourist attraction may be no more.
The attraction made a shock announcement last week that it would close in January, following a decision by Barrow Borough Council to close the zoo’s public walkways due to health and safety reasons.
Barrow Borough Council chief executive Phil Huck said yesterday that he had no wish to make any further comment about the latest social media statement.
He added that people should simply read their press release issued last Friday and make up their own minds.
The council has explained that their licensing regulatory committee ruled that all wooden public walkways at the Dalton attraction must be shut with immediate effect due to concerns over safety.
The zoo was given 28 days to comply.
In response, the animal park issued a statement last week saying they would shut on January 9.
The zoo has not made clear how long it intends to shut for in any of its statements.
But staff said yesterday that making a booking for February would not be an issue, suggesting that any closure would only be a temporary measure.
Staff statement
Their latest statement said: “We have been asked to point out that David Gill, the zoo’s creator and owner has for the past 10 years taken a back seat role in the zoo whilst working overseas on charity humanitarian and conservation projects.
“David decided to retire from the zoo operations some time ago and planned to retire this Christmas totally.
“It is we the management team that do all the communication with the council and we welcome all of your support to encourage positive dialogue
“We hope that the petition with now over 18,000 signatures send a strong message to everyone that an end to the present methods of communication and actions should be made.
“We have had an excellent relationship with past council staff and no issues with the council over licensing for nearly 20 years until two years ago.
“We simply wish to get back to working with staff and officials who really want the zoo to be successful and safe. Fear of prosecution at every email or letter in the post is no way to be working in any business and that is exactly how we feel.
“In the future we the management have that full responsibility to continue that growth and excellence without David at the helm.
On his own Facebook page, Mr Gill wrote: “I really do not want to get involved. As my friends know I have been planning and trying to get out of the Zoo for years and finally I hope to do this at the end of the year. I want to get as far from this controversy and the zoo as possible as soon as all the papers are signed.”
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