A zoo which closed over a year-and-a-half ago is still moving animals on, including a rhino and baboons.
The South Lakes Safari Zoo outside Dalton closed in December 2024, not having reopened to the public since.
But drone footage showing the site of the former zoo recently circulated on social media, showing animals including a rhino and baboons, with users raising concern for the welfare of the animals.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service approached the owners about the zoo and what their plans for the animals were.
The majority is rehomed, the remaining animals were distressed by the drone
Janette Kemp, CEO of the Zoo Investment Company Ltd, which owns the site, said they have rehomed the ‘majority’ of animals but criticised the drone pilot for ‘distressing’ the animals.
Ms Kemp added:
Whilst I appreciate there is continued local interest in the site of the former South Lakes Safari Zoo and the wellbeing of the animals which temporarily remain there, I can assure everyone that their welfare and security is mine and my company’s top priority.
In Autumn 2024 we began negotiations for the early termination of Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd’s lease which they agreed to surrender in late March 2025.
Upon taking possession of the site, and more importantly taking the responsibility for the welfare, care and the safe keeping of the animals housed therein, we have been working tirelessly to find the best homes for their relocation.
To date we have managed to rehome the majority to zoos and institutions that we have checked and approved. There remain a small number of animals, all of which have homes secured, however these moves simply don’t happen overnight and again I can assure everyone the animals that are on site are in good health, enjoying the natural peace and are being very well looked after and will continue to be until such time they leave for their new homes.
She thanked Wildside Vets, led by Kate Hornby, for their ‘excellent care’ of the animals.
She added:
Kate’s support and tenacity to relentlessly visit the site every week since June 2021 to check on the animals wellbeing has been invaluable.
Complete disregard for the animals’ wellbeing
Speaking about the drone footage, Ms Kemp said:
Flying a drone over endangered animals was not only reckless, but a complete disregard for their wellbeing and not only their safety but also the safety of the people who look after them.
Under the Wildlife and Country Act 1981 it is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb protected species – drones can look and sound like predators to the animals and can cause panic and distress.
The rhino was clearly distressed by the drone flying over
She said it was ‘clear’ from the footage the rhino was in ‘some distress’.
Ms Kemp added:
It can obviously hear the drone and starts to run, then stops and listens again as the drone zooms in. It then starts to run again and had it not been for the diligence and professionalism of the team on the ground, managing to get the majority of the animals inside to safety, an animal could have been seriously injured or worse still an animal could have died.
It is also noted that the person launching the drone did so illegally from the zoo’s car park which is civil trespass.
She said the person ‘ignored repeated requests from the animal team to stop’ and called for the video to be removed from the internet.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked what their future plans for the land were, but no answer was given to that question.
By Local Democracy Reporter Zach Harrison.
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