AN online petition has been launched encouraging Barrow Borough Council to close South Lakes Safari Zoo which has come in for widespread criticism after details of animal deaths at the attraction were released.

Almost 2,000 people have signed up to support the closure of the Dalton-in-Furness attraction which will learn the fate of a licence application on Monday, March 6.

Owner and founder David Gill has applied to the authority’s licensing committee for a fresh licence to keep the zoo open. Members have already been recommended to reject the application amid concerns including the quality of animal welfare and the zoo's management.

Included in the report to be discussed by the council are nearly 500 deaths at the zoo in the last few years. These include a tortoise being electrocuted, two snow leopards founds partially eaten, and the euthanasia of seven 'healthy' lion cubs.

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Karen Brewer, CEO of Cumbria Zoo Company, has said there is a continuing commitment animal welfare at the park and outlined a series of targets to improve standards.

A full report on South Lakes Safari Zoo can be found in today's Westmorland Gazette.

To see the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/barrow-borough-council-close-down-south-lakes-safari-zoo-dalton-in-furness?recruiter=329665376&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition