Britain's 'worst zoo' where nearly 500 animals died and keeper was mauled to death announces closure after fresh cruelty allegations
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A zoo dubbed ‘the worst in Britain’ after the deaths of hundreds of animals suddenly announced it was closing today following new cruelty allegations. A series of tragic losses at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria - including animals run over by a miniature train or electrocuted by fencing - sparked outrage aimed at its colourful millionaire founder, David Gill.
![[As recently as October, harrowing photographs were revealed showing dead and injured animals]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/18/93204195-0-image-a-2_1734372618980.jpg)
But the attraction – previously fined £255,000 after a keeper was mauled to death by a tiger - was granted a new licence in 2017 after he agreed to cut ties. However as recently as October, harrowing photographs were revealed showing dead and injured animals.
![[The news follows an alarming inspection report in July which found ’major causes for concern’ at the zoo]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/18/93204189-0-image-a-3_1734372624112.jpg)
These included a capybara covered in cuts reportedly caused by fighting and a zebra with its hoof stuck in the bars of its enclosure which later had to be put down. It follows an alarming inspection report in July which found ’major causes for concern’, including a work experience student being left alone with dangerous animals.
![[Reported incidents included a capybara covered in cuts reportedly caused by fighting and a zebra with its hoof stuck in the bars of its enclosure which later had to be put down]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/18/93204191-0-image-a-4_1734372645285.jpg)
Conservation groups yesterday welcomed the shock announcement that the attraction – now called Safari Zoo – would be closing at the end of the year. But with many animals set to be moved to a wildlife park run by the same company they demanded assurances that they would be humanely treated.
![[Ferrari-driving former owner Mr Gill - who appointed his Peruvian beauty queen third wife as head vet – was slammed for ‘deplorable’ welfare standards]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/18/93204187-14198769-image-a-6_1734373003893.jpg)
A series of tragic losses at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria - including animals run over by a miniature train or electrocuted by fencing - sparked outrage aimed at its colourful millionaire founder, David Gill. As recently as October, harrowing photographs were revealed showing dead and injured animals.
![[A young monkey clings to the mesh below a heat lamp at the zoo amid concerns its habitat is not being kept warm enough]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/18/63864715-0-A_young_monkey_clings_to_the_mesh_below_a_heat_lamp_at_the_zoo_a-a-5_1734372692950.jpg)
