Britain’s ‘worst’ zoo where tiger mauled keeper to death & almost 500 animals died FINALLY shuts after years of scandal
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CAMPAIGNERS celebrated today as Britain’s worst zoo finally announced it was to close its doors for the final time. Ever since a tiger mauled a keeper to death, South Lakes Safari Zoo has been surrounded by controversy and was even fined £255,000 after the tragic incident.
![[South Lakes Safari Zoo, formally known as South Lakes Wild Animal Park, in Cumbria]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/general-view-south-lakes-safari-322268937.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Hundreds of animals have died at the Cumbria attraction and others have had to be shot after escaping. Bosses have now announced it will close at the end of the year although they have not revealed what will happen to the animals including rhinos, giraffes and lions.
![[Zookeeper Sarah McClay tragically died after being mauled by a Sumatran tiger at the site]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/zookeeper-sarah-mcclay-tiger-243516981.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Delighted campaigners from Freedom for Animals said: “After nearly a decade of work investigating and campaigning, we are thrilled to announce its long-overdue closure. “For years, Cumbria Safari Zoo has been synonymous with neglect and suffering. “We are calling on the local authority to now ensure that every animal at the zoo is re-homed to appropriate sanctuaries where they can receive the care they deserve and live free from suffering and exploitation.
![[Delighted animal rights campaigners have expressed their thoughts on the attraction's closure]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/know-ones-died-305459140.jpg?strip=all&w=736)
“To everyone who fought for this moment: thank you.”. The zoo was set up by millionaire businessman David Gill in 1994 and became one of the most popular attractions in the Lake District, with up to 500,000 visitors a year. But it regularly found itself in the headlines for the wrong reasons.
![[Almost 500 animals died in four years including seven lion cubs]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/know-ones-died-305465722.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
In 2008 a man was jailed for five years for attacking Mr Gill with a Stanley knife over a fling with his wife. Richard Creary, then 38, crept into the zoo site in the night, slashed the tyres of Mr Gill’s Bentley, and broke into a house where his wife and the zoo's boss were sleeping.
![[South Lakes Safari Zoo Ltd previously pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to health and safety breaches]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/general-view-south-lakes-safari-358514613.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
