THE debate over the future of the South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton is set to continue creating headlines after inspectors uncovered some shocking cases of animal welfare.
On Monday, the attraction was issued with a formal closure notice after Barrow Borough Council's licensing committee refused founder David Gill's licence renewal application.
The zoo can remain open temporarily pending a review by Mr Gill.
Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd was set up in January in a bid to secure the future of the failing site and an application for a licence will be heard in May.
The firm, led by chief executive Karen Brewer, took the reins to South Lakes Safari Zoo just days before government inspectors carried out a two-day visit to assess its licence to keep animals held by Mr Gill.
Many have called for the zoo to be allowed to remain open while others believe the failures are systemic and the animals should be rehomed at other zoos. Opposing petitions have also been set up.
What do you think - should the zoo be allowed to stay open or should it close?
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