KEEPING apace of who is in charge of Dalton's South Lakes Safari Zoo has been no easy task over the past year.
Here, we demystify some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the controversial attraction.
Who runs Dalton zoo now?
The Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd was set up in January with former South Lakes Safari Zoo chief executive Karen Brewer at its helm.
CZCL has a six month lease on the site and is now responsible for its day to day operation while it seeks a zoo license of its own.
Who owns Dalton zoo?
The 50 acre site, near Dalton, is owned by David Gill.
Is David Gill involved in Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd?
No. David Gill is not involved in CZCL. However, as the owner of the site, he is effectively the company's landlord.
He also owns some of the animals which are leased to CZCL through formal loan agreements.
Who was in charge when the animals included on the death list died or were put down?
The death list covered a period from December 2013 to September 2016.
At that time the zoo was run by South Lakes Safari Zoo of which David Gill was a director.
Will anyone be prosecuted for animal cruelty?
Zoo inspectors appointed by the secretary of state say they believe David Gill should face prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act.
A decision on whether to take such a case forward rests with Barrow Borough Council.
Who does the zoo license belong to?
David Gill holds the current license for the site.
It expired last summer. Barrow Borough Council's licensing committee then refused to renew it.
David Gill was given a six month period to address concerns while he appealed the decision.
Who has applied for a zoo license now?
David Gill's appeal application to overturn the council's decision to refuse a license will be heard at a meeting in Barrow on Monday.
Government zoo inspectors recommend it is not granted.
CZCL has also applied separately for a license to run the zoo.
Its application will be heard later this spring. An exact date is yet to be confirmed.
What about the animals? Are they being looked after in the meantime?
The animals on site are now being cared for by CZCL, under the leadership of Karen Brewer.
Inspectors noted 'genuine efforts' have been made to improve standards on site by CZCL since the company was formed in January.
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