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Save Animals In Britain’s Worst Zoo From Neglect And Cruelty

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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

Every moment animals remain in South Lakes Safari Zoo is another moment of needless suffering—act now to ensure they find safety and dignity in sanctuaries where they can heal and thrive.

Every moment animals remain in South Lakes Safari Zoo is another moment of needless suffering—act now to ensure they find safety and dignity in sanctuaries where they can heal and thrive.

For years, South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria has been at the center of disturbing reports about animal welfare failures. Once called "Britain's worst zoo," it has a long history of neglect, injuries, and preventable deaths among the animals entrusted to its care1. Despite new management taking over in 2017 with promises of reform, serious concerns persist, and the animals continue to suffer.

Disturbing Evidence of Neglect

Former employees and animal welfare advocates have exposed shocking conditions at the zoo. Graphic images reveal animals injured and distressed, including a zebra euthanized after becoming trapped in pen bars, a capybara bloodied from fights, and a giraffe with head injuries sustained during public feeding sessions2. Overcrowding has led to inbreeding, aggression, and preventable deaths among the animals. In one horrific incident, a peacock was killed by otters in full view of visitors3.

Reports describe meerkats in cold, draughty enclosures, baboons locked indoors for days due to enclosure damage, and rhinos confined to cramped, dirty stalls for extended periods4. Conditions like these have caused behavioral issues, malnourishment, and unnecessary suffering.

A Toxic Work Culture

Adding to the concerns are reports of a toxic workplace culture. Former staff members describe public humiliation, constant berating, and an environment so hostile that employees often left in tears5. High turnover has only compounded the challenges of providing consistent, adequate care for the animals.

Urgent Need for Compassion and Accountability

The suffering at South Lakes Safari Zoo highlights a systemic failure to protect the welfare of its animals. Compassion and humanity demand immediate action to end these conditions and ensure the animals receive the care they deserve. Accredited sanctuaries offer a safe and appropriate alternative, where these animals can live without fear, stress, or neglect4.

Your Voice Can Make a Difference

We cannot allow these animals to remain in such conditions. By calling for the immediate closure of South Lakes Safari Zoo and relocating its animals to sanctuaries, we can end their suffering and ensure they receive the care and dignity they deserve. This is a critical step to protect not just the animals at this zoo but to send a message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Join us in taking action. Sign the petition today and demand accountability for the animals who cannot speak for themselves. Together, we can make a difference.

More on this issue:

  1. Martin Lindsay, BBC (16 October 2024), "Zoo faces animal welfare and bullying allegations."
  2. Trinity Sparke, One Green Planet (2024), "Animal Welfare Concerns Continue at England Zoo Despite New Management."
  3. Shannon McGuigan, Daily Mail (16 October 2024), "Harrowing Images Reveal Scale of Alleged Animal Abuse at Britain's 'Worst Zoo’."
  4. Jane Dalton, The Independent (21 April 2024), "Animals at Troubled Zoo Go Missing, Die or Suffer Cold and Disease, Campaigners Claim."
  5. BBC (6 November 2024), "Council urged to take action over troubled zoo."
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The Petition:

To the management of the South Lakes Safari Zoo,

We, the undersigned, call for the immediate closure of South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria and the urgent relocation of its remaining animals to accredited sanctuaries. Recent revelations of animal neglect, preventable injuries, and unacceptable living conditions highlight a pattern of systemic failure in the care and welfare of the animals under your charge.

Photographs, videos, and testimonies from former employees reveal overcrowding, inbreeding, inadequate diets, and enclosures that leave animals injured and distressed. Instances of animals dying preventable deaths or suffering from untreated injuries are deeply troubling. These conditions are a violation of the Animal Welfare Act and the trust placed in institutions to provide humane care for their charges.

Compassion demands action. Animals are sentient beings who deserve dignity and proper care. This is not just a moral obligation but a societal expectation. Relocating these animals to reputable sanctuaries ensures they receive the attention, space, and enrichment they desperately need to heal.

Closing the zoo and relocating the animals will pave the way for a future where animals are treated with respect and humanity. It will also send a powerful message that negligence and cruelty have no place in animal care.

We urge you to act immediately to ensure a better future for these animals—and for all who care about their welfare.

Sincerely,

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Signatures: