IN light of a newly-published report raising concerns of animal welfare at South Lakes Safari Zoo, we explore whether zoos still have a place in our modern society.

Outdated and immoral or educational and protective? Arguments for and against the continuation of zoos have permeated debate in recent years.

Reasons in favour of zoos claim facilities save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators.

And those against insist zoos are detrimental to animals’ physical and psychological health.

The Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity that campaigns to "Keep Wildlife in the Wild”, recently published a report slamming conditions at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton.

READ MORE: Born Free investigation finds South Lakes Safari Zoo 'fails to meet basic standards' of animal welfare

Chris Lewis, the charity’s captivity research officer, believes it is time for a ‘radical rethink’ around zoos in modern society.

He said: “The current conservation claims of zoos are meretricious at best. People would probably be shocked to know that the majority of species kept by UK zoos are not endangered or threatened with extinction, while those that are, are rarely, if ever, returned to the wild.

“Claims by zoos that they contribute to species conservation and public education require careful scrutiny and cannot be taken at face value as justifications for the keeping and breeding of wild animals in captivity. Millions of pounds are spent on enclosures, while a small fraction of that is provided to supporting threatened species in the wild and their habitats. The self-justification of zoos frequently distracts from the conservation issues wild species face.

“The more we understand about wild animals, their needs, and their social and cultural lives, the more we recognise that they do not belong in zoos. The only conclusive educational value a zoo has is that many of the species they hold simply don’t belong there. The modern zoo remains an entertainment attraction first-and-foremost whether it’s in a city centre or a rural safari park. It’s time for a radical rethink.”

READ MORE: South Lakes Safari Zoo bosses brand Born Free investigation as 'inaccurate'

South Lakes Safari Zoo houses over 1,000 animals and more than 150 species, welcoming crowds of visitors through its doors each year.

Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism managing director, said the Dalton zoo offers visitors the opportunity to learn about different species as well as supporting local jobs and businesses.

She said: “Cumbria has a broad array of wildlife-based attractions and experiences, including South Lakes Safari Zoo, and they are popular with visitors but also with local audiences, including school groups. Many offer opportunities to inform and learn about different species and of course they also support local jobs and local businesses.”