Pushback intensifies: Pressure mounts to shut down 'horror zoo'
Outrage and shock. Following reports from Bild regarding the appalling conditions at South Lakes Safari Zoo, readers are demanding the facility's immediate closure. Despite this, the zoo remains open, and new details about the animals' suffering continue to surface.
The BBC has disclosed the scandalous conditions at the zoo: bears and rhinos are housed in enclosures that are too small and dirty, and injured animals remain terrified in their pens.
Over three years, nearly 500 animals are reported to have died due to catastrophic conditions.
Internet users worldwide are expressing their outrage. Klaus Jasmund writes: "I am shocked. Unbelievably, the zoo should be closed immediately, and those responsible should be punished. Poor animals, it's a disgrace!" Dagmar Stephan adds: "I'm ashamed to be human. These animals must be freed from this chamber of horrors and torture rooms. The zoo should be closed, and the director and caretakers should be held accountable." Another reader asks: "I feel pure terror. These images are unbelievable. Are the animals safe and have they been freed?"
Despite numerous appeals, the closure of this 'horror park' is not planned. Martin Lindsay, the BBC journalist who publicised the issue, explains in an interview with "Bild" why no action has been taken so far.
It is the city council's responsibility to oversee the zoo. The council has the authority to close it. After inspections, they had serious concerns but found no evidence of systemic health and condition problems as in the past. In July, the zoo was once again a topic at a council meeting. They decided that the zoo could remain open under certain conditions, explains Lindsay.
Shocking information about the English zoo
However, this is not sufficient for animal rights activists and former employees. Lindsay reveals further irregularities:
We know that rhinos stand in cramped, dirty pens. Often, they go without food for over 17 hours. A shocking picture shows a zebra that got its front leg stuck in a door. It couldn't free itself and was euthanised, explains Lindsay.
The last inspection report also noted insufficient water supply and uncleaned stalls. It's all the more puzzling that the zoo remains open. The operators continue to deny any abuse of animals.
