AN investigation into conditions at South Lakes Safari Zoo has found the facility ‘fails to meet even basic standards’ of animal welfare, according to a newly-published report.
The Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity that campaigns to "Keep Wildlife in the Wild”, visited the Dalton attraction following multiple public reports of concern relating to animal welfare and the general running of the zoo.
The wildlife charity has published a report online which includes a number of damning allegations against the zoo following a visit on October 17.
One of the issues raised by Born Free was inadequate space being provided for animals housed at the facility.
The report states: “Some [rhinos] may not be provided outdoor access at all during the day. In some cases, they are confined to tiny stalls which just allow them to turn around.
“Despite being a herd species, each zebra appears to be separated into an individual stall and potentially kept inside all day. The zebra may then be shut out overnight, including during winter, however no bedding or heating was observed in the outdoor shelter.
“The [zoo] continues to fail to maintain animals in their natural social groupings.”
The report said one female giraffe was seen to have 'extremely overgrown and curved hooves'.
"This is an issue that appropriate foot care should have prevented," said the report.
"All giraffes were observed performing various oral stereotypes throughout the day, which is likely due to a lack of sufficient browse provision.
"A few branches were provided first thing in the morning but were not replaced throughout the inspection. It appeared that this was to increase the likelihood of giraffes participating in experiences where visitors pay to feed them inappropriate quantities of carrots, in contrast to natural dietary items such as leaves and stems. During one visitor experience session at least 52 guests fed a handful of carrots to two male giraffes. Before and after the experience both giraffes were observed orally stereotyping and no browse was available."
One animal – an Andean bear – was also observed showing signs of zoochosis, claims the wildlife charity.
Born Free asserts there was a ‘lack of any visible enrichment in enclosures throughout the zoo’ and labelled the heat provision as ‘sub-standard’.
The report states: “A number of primates were seen clinging to the mesh to get as close to heat lamps as possible. A sloth was seen clinging to mesh just inches above the ground to access a heat lamp intended for tortoises, who were also trying to access the lamp.
READ MORE: South Cumbria zoo admits breaches over tiger death
“These observations strongly suggest that the ambient temperature in these enclosures is not suitable for the species housed within them.”
The charity alleges that hygiene procedures during animal food provision appeared to fall ‘well short of the standards’ that should be expected.
“Raw meat was seen to be left in a bucket outside the tiger enclosure on the inside of the keeper gate,” the report states.
“This was covered in flies and in full view of visitors who could have easily come into contact with it. Rats were observed in the raccoon and tortoise enclosures.
“In summary, it is our strong view that the zoo continues to fail to meet even basic standards of animal welfare and visitor safety in a number of respects.”
READ MORE: Mother of mauled south Lakes zoo keeper says attraction should be shut down
Born Free wrote to Barrow Borough Council to formally highlight their concerns observed during the visit.
A Barrow Borough Council spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the council received a report from Born Free in regards to the South Lakes Safari Zoo. The issues raised in their report are similar to reports recently received directly to the council.
“We take allegations of this nature seriously and will work with the Zoo to address them. Any enforcement matters will be reported at a licensing hearing, should that be necessary."
Since 2017 the zoo has been operated by Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd, of which Karen Brewer is the manager.
Prior to this, it had been operated by its founder David Rivera (formerly Gill), who lost his licence to operate the zoo five years ago following significant concerns over animal welfare and the death of employee Sarah McClay, who was tragically killed by a tiger in 2013.
Rivera retained ownership of the land on which the zoo sits until January 2021 when it was sold to the Zoo Investment Company. In 2018 his company was placed into administration following financial difficulties.
Since welcoming a new management team, there has been a ‘marked improvement’ in animal welfare.
In a Barrow Borough Council inspection undertaken last year, inspectors were ‘impressed’ with improvements made since the last visit but added that there was ‘still much to do’.
READ MORE: South Lakes Safari Zoo makes improvements after fears animals could escape
Following the council's most recent inspection, carried out earlier this year, zoo bosses were told to improve the security of enclosures amid fears baboons could escape.
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