ANIMAL escapes, deaths, injuries to members of the public and 'dangerous mismanagement' have been uncovered at Dalton zoo following a visit from two government-appointed inspectors.

An inspection at South Lakes Safari Zoo took place on November 18/19 of last year. Inspectors said a number of health and safety breaches had left members of the public in danger and found there had been nine bite injuries that year to date.

The full report has now been published and while the inspectors said they "commended the overall evident hard work and dedication of the keeping staff and admin team", they were alarmed about a number of health and safety failings.

What did the inspectors find?

  • Overall animals mortality levels are "high" at 10 per cent;
  • Recent Nyala (antelope) deaths were "preventable and were the result of a poor decision-making process which the inspectors hope will no longer occur under the new management structure".
  • The inspectors were "dismayed and shocked to see bales and pallets held together with twine used as temporary holding for mixed exhibits" including camels, wildebeast and zebra which had resulted in escapes.
  • There is "doubt over the accuracy of recording of escapes".


Zoo owner David Gill The report also referred to "a number of prairie dogs free living in burrows" and referred to zoo owner and licencee holder David Gill as "implementing out-of-date practices and refusing to implement modern zoo practices".

The inspectors said that this has resulted in "animal welfare issues, a higher than expected mortality rate amongst the animals, higher than expected incidents (such as injuries to the public from animals) and places both staff and the public potentially in danger".

The inspectors did commend Mr Gill's decision to step back from the running of the zoo but noted that there had been "insufficient progress" in this respect and that the decision had since been reversed.

Some animals did not have sufficient shelter and refuge areas and the inspectors also noted "ongoing rodent problems".

Who was present during the inspection?

Anna Meredith (DEFRA inspector);

Nick Jackson (DEFRA inspector);

Matthew Brash (vet appointed by Barrow Borough Council);

David Gill (for part of the inspection);

Richard Garnett (environmental health officer for Barrow Borough Council);

Christina Fischer (former director of the zoo);

Frieda Schreiber (zoo director and David Gill's wife);

Andrew Greenwood (consultant vet);

Karen Brewer (zoo employee);

John McIntosh (zoo employee);

Local vet Rick Browne (for part). 

What will happen next?

DEFRA's inspectors have recommended that the attraction's zoo licence be refused. Barrow Borough Council is in talks with the zoo to ensure safety conditions are met.

The council's licensing regulatory committee is due to hold a meeting on February 23 to consider the report's recommendations. The zoo's current licence runs out in June 2016.

READ MORE: Row between Dalton zoo and Barrow Borough Council