THE company which took full control of a Furness zoo one year ago will mark its first anniversary by demonstrating the improvements it has implemented.

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd has been running South Lakes Safari Zoo in its entirety for 12 months this week and it has just signed an eight year lease.

This weekend the zoo will host an anniversary trail, where staff will show visitors the developments and strides that have been made with animal welfare and changes around the site by the new company.

There will be a chance to see the rhino and giraffe calves in the Africa house.

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd was granted its own licence in May last year by Barrow Borough Council and with the support of governing zoo inspectors, starting a new chapter for the park.

It had followed controversy over the publication of report by government zoo inspectors which raised serious concerns about the deaths of more than 400 animals between 2013 and 2016.

A fresh zoo inspection carried out in March last year found significant improvements had been secured under the running of the Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd.

The new company now holds the overall lease from the previous company and founder David Gill.

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd has continued with its improvement drive and wants to demonstrate how things are different.

It has compiled a guide to achievements that have been happening over the last year, including revamped enclosures, dietary revolutions for the animals, a brand new education team, new staff and partnership work.

It also explains animal care treatments, such as the trimming of a giraffe's hooves, and the updating of enclosures such as the home of the Squirrel Monkeys. The guide can be found here OUR UNFOLDING STORY – 52 WEEKS IN

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd says the first anniversary marks the start of a bright future with more goals to achieve.

The company says the focuses for 2018 are to:

*Revive, extend and create new conservation links

*Continued development of the visitor experience

*Continue to develop new and exciting animal experiences

*Park development

*Improved visitor facilities and comfort

Karen Brewer, chief executive of Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd, says she is immensely proud of what has been achieved by the team. Mrs Brewer said: "We are having a special one year on trail this weekend so people can see the changes that we are very proud of.

"This is the start of a bright future. We have a team that are absolutely dedicated.

"We have had 200,000 people through the doors in the last 12 months and we have had lots of positive comments and support for the improvements."

Stewart Lambert, chairman of Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd, said: "The team are dedicated and everyone has pulled together to make these changes for the better."