CONTROVERSIAL figure David Gill has formally surrendered his licence to run Dalton zoo this morning.
The move means a fresh licence granted to Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd - the firm now at the helm of South Lakes Safari Zoo - has taken legal effect.
The exchange follows a lengthy meeting on Tuesday which saw Barrow Borough Council's licencing regulatory committee members agree to award a new permit to Cumbria Zoo Company.
RELATED ARTICLE: New day dawns for Dalton zoo as it gains licence at landmark meeting
CZCL chief executive Karen Brewer described the landmark day as 'momentous' for South Lakes Safari Zoo.
"We now have the certificate in our hand and it will be displayed at the zoo entrance from today for the next four years."
Mrs Brewer added: "This is what is has all been about.
"We've worked so hard for this, and now we can finally get on with continuing with the improvements we have started and going on to make safari zoo even better."
The new zoo licence was granted by councillors on Tuesday on condition that Mr Gill either surrendered his own licence or withdrew pending legal proceedings to overturn a closure notice for the zoo within five working days.
Once this took place, the new permit was handed over by borough council officials.
It is hoped the formalities have secured the future of the attraction until at least 2021.
A report by government zoo inspectors following a visit to the site in January raised serious concerns about conditions for animals at the zoo.
An audit of post mortems carried out over the past four years also revealed that almost 500 had died in less than four years - of causes including emaciation, exposure and poor animal husbandry.
But a fresh zoo inspection carried out in March found significant improvements had been secured under the running of Cumbria Zoo Company.
The inspection team said the new firm met all requirements necessary for a licence to be granted.
READ MORE: Council bosses set to visit Dalton zoo hours before crucial licence vote
READ MORE: New company pledges animal welfare is top priority as it takes the reins at Dalton zoo
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here