500 Animals Die in Britain’s “Worst Zoo” in Less Than 3 Years

An investigation into Britain’s “worst zoo” where nearly 500 animals died between December 2013 and September 2016, failed to meet “basic standards” of animal welfare.

Source: Born Free Foundation/YouTube

The Born Free Foundation launched an investigation into the South Lakes Safari Zoo, Cumbria, after numerous concerns were raised about the animals.

It is not the first time that the cruel zoo has made headlines. In 2013, a zookeeper was mauled to death by a tiger. Then, in 2017 a council reported that 486 animals had died at the facility between December 2013 and September 2016.

Now, the new investigation takes another much-needed slam of the zoo over hygiene issues and animal welfare issues. The report stated that the zoo had been overfeeding giraffes, leaving sloths out in the cold, and confirming rhinoceroses in tiny enclosures. They also said that zebras were separated in individual stalls despite being herb species and had no bedding or heating in these isolated enclosures.

The report also claimed that raw meat was left in a bucket outside the tiger enclosure covered in flies. The report claimed that the zoo continuously failed to maintain animals in their natural social groupings. It said giraffes were being fed an inappropriate amount and the incorrect foods.

“A number of primates were seen clinging to the mesh to get as close to heat lamps as possible,” the report read. “It is our strong view that the zoo continues to fail to meet even basic standards of animal welfare and visitor safety in a number of respects.”

Born Free wrote to the Barrow Borough Council to express concerns over the issues that they witnessed during the visit. A spokesperson for the council confirmed that they have received the report and will work with the zoo to address them.

Although this zoo is one of the worst, there are countless more zoos in the world where animal cruelty is commonplace and goes unreported. Animal cruelty is a global issue and should be the concern of every person on this planet. If you witness animal cruelty and neglect anywhere – zoos, pet shops, even your neighbor’s yard – please remember to speak up for those without a voice and report it to the appropriate authorities. Animal cruelty continues to go on both publicly and behind closed doors, and it is up to concerned citizens to help put a stop to it all.

To help speak up for animals in zoos, please sign this petition to pressure the UK to change its flawed animal protection and welfare system.

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• 500 Animals Died in UK Zoo Over 4 Years. Sign Petition Asking For Stricter Regulation
• Why Petting Zoos Are a Terrible Way to Teach Children About Animals
• Family of Nine Spider Monkeys Rescued from Illegal Zoo and Returned to Rainforest

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