A ZOO at the centre of an animal welfare scandal has been issued with a formal closure notice after losing its licence yesterday.

The news comes after a harrowing death list revealed 486 animals had died or been killed at South Lakes Safari Zoo, near Barrow, in less than four years.

But the attraction can remain open temporarily pending the launch of a legal appeal within the next 28 days by its owner; self-proclaimed conservationist David Gill.

The licence refusal and closure order were made unanimously by members of Barrow Borough Council's licensing regulatory committee after they heard a series of animal welfare concerns from expert government zoo inspectors.

The future of the Dalton zoo, which employs 45 staff and attracts around 250,000 visitors every year, now rests with Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd which is seeking its own application for a zoo licence.

It is understood the application from CZCL, which has run the zoo since January, will be heard in May.

Mr Gill failed to attend the hearing, held at Barrow Town Hall, and he attempted unsuccessfully to have a decision on his licence postponed.

But his legal representative, Steve Walker, from Livingstons Solicitors, said his client was clear that he no longer wanted to run the zoo.

"Mr Gill only makes this application today because he wants the zoo to stay open," Mr Walker said.

"Even a closure for a short period would prove insurmountable for the new Cumbria Zoo Company. But he is clear that he no longer wants to run this zoo."

The findings of a damning report from government zoo inspectors, who visited the site in January, were read out citing major concerns for the welfare of its animals.

They found some had insufficient food, warmth, shelter and bedding. Their report labelled conditions "appalling", adding there were numerous failings at managerial level.

It went on to conclude they believed Mr Gill was not a suitable candidate for a zoo licence after stating an independently reviewed post mortem list had revealed poor animal husbandry was at the centre of many of the deaths.

The committee also heard from Superintendent Rob O'Connor, firearms commander for Cumbria police, who voiced "serious concerns" over the zoo's firearms policy.

He explained only three members of staff have a firearms licence at present while three more are at the application stage.

Supt O'Connor said: "I can't see the current senior management team is able to provide professional, reliable or competent firearms capability.

"The zoo can't rely on the police to provide an immediate firearms response."

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd, which is said to have implemented improvements since since January, issued a statement following the conclusion of the licensing meeting appealing for the continued support of the public.

It said: "We have work to do, we know we do. A modern zoo should continually strive to be better in all it does.

"We are pushing hard to meet our goals, without compromise to achieve high standards for the animals in our care and for our staff and local community and we drive forward to earn Safari Zoo its place in the modern zoo community.

"Your support is all the more vital now."