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Report reveals high death rates at South Lakes zoo
giraffe
It was previously reported that a giraffe had died after slipping on the concrete floor of its enclosure, which had no more than a scattering of sand, CAPS said. (Stock photo)
Council set to discuss the zoo’s future
 
Nearly 500 animals have died in just four years at the South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, reports released by the council have revealed.

The zoo’s owner David Gill has submitted an application for a new licence to operate the zoo, which will be considered by Barrow Council at a hearing on 6 March.

Animal lovers and welfare groups, however, are calling for the zoo to close after inspection reports revealed high death rates, poor management and animal health and welfare issues.

The zoo has previously been fined for health and safety breaches after keeper Sarah McClay was mauled to death by a tiger in 2013.

Inspection reports released by the local council reveal the zoo has a death rate of around 12 per cent of its animals every year. A total of 486 animals died between December 2013 and September last year. Among these were a jaguar euthanised after it chewed off its own paw, an electrocuted tortoise, a rhino crushed against a barrier by another rhino and two snow leopards found partially eaten in their enclosure.

At the November 2016 inspection it was discovered that no heating had been installed, despite the fact that inspectors were told it would be in place by August, before the winter months.

Photographs and video footage taken separately by the Captive Animal Protection Society (CAPS) shows an apparently emaciated kangaroo and penguins with virtually no water in their pool during temperatures of 29ºC.

A spokesperson is quoted by BBC News as saying David Gill has “stepped away from all trading and management activities” at the zoo, which has been leased to Cumbria Zoo Company Limited.

The council is being recommended not to renew to licence, which could result in the zoo’s closure. Councillors will make a decision on 6 March.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.