Rebecca Manzi South Lakes Safari Zoo has been accused of animal cruelty, overcrowding and animal fighting in inadequate cages as well as a toxic work culture
@Safari Zoo/Facebook
The South Lakes Safari Zoo, a prominent attraction in the United Kingdom, has come under fire following a BBC investigation that exposed significant issues related to animal management and staff working conditions. Located in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, the zoo has been involved in a series of controversies in recent years, despite a change in management in 2017, which was intended to drive substantial improvements.
One of the most tragic events that arguably ever happened in the zoo was the death of zookeeper, Sarah McClay, who was mauled by a tiger in 2013. This incident, coupled with the unnecessary deaths of animals, has cast a long-lasting shadow over the management of the zoo. Indeed, the investigation reported that almost 500 animals died between the years 2013 and 2016.
The RSPCA and other animal welfare organizations called for its closure, while in 2017, the local council granted a new license to Cumbria Zoo Company Limited-a company that took over after the license was revoked from its previous owner David Gill.
Not just injured animals – a toxic work culture
Promising reform, former zoo employees, who spoke under anonymity, reported that critical conditions continued for animals. Photos and videos shared with the BBC documented injured animals, including a giraffe with head injuries and a capybara with multiple cuts.
Other issues reported include the mistreatment of animals, overcrowding, and animal fights within unsuitable enclosures. Overcrowding caused several incidents; in one incident, a peacock was killed after being mauled by giant otters in full view of a visiting school group.
Apart from issues concerning the animals, former workers described a work environment that was toxic, with bullying and extremely high turnover. Some of the employees related scenes of being humiliated during meetings, colleagues in tears, or coworkers forced to resign.
Response of zoo management and remaining criticisms
Following these allegations, zoo management has denied all claims, saying the conditions of the animals are satisfactory and the issues amount to a “smear campaign” orchestrated by the landowners.
While both local authorities and independent inspectors have voiced a few improvements, this dark past of the zoo, coupled with criticism by former employees and animal rights groups, has not gone away. Situations like those, brought to the forefront by the BBC, are unacceptable in establishments that should concern themselves with the well-being of animals which, when possible, live in the wild.
