South Lakes Safari Zoo - PERMANENTLY CLOSED - Information Only
🚨 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SOUTH LAKES SAFARI ZOO PERMANENTLY CLOSED IN DECEMBER 2024 🚨
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This website is for INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT OFFICIAL. The South Lakes Safari Zoo permanently closed in December 2024. Animals are being rehomed to other facilities.
South Lakes Safari Zoo Logo

South Lakes Safari Zoo

PERMANENTLY CLOSED - December 2024

Historical Information Archive

South Lakes Safari Zoo Closure Information

Closure Date: December 2024

Location: Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, England

Years of Operation: 1994 - 2024 (30 years)

Land Area: 51 acres (21 hectares)

Status: All animals are being rehomed to other accredited facilities in 2025

About the Former Zoo

South Lakes Safari Zoo (formerly South Lakes Wild Animal Park) was a 51-acre zoo established in 1994 by David Gill. Located in Cumbria, England, near the Lake District, it became one of Cumbria's most visited tourist attractions during its operational years.

At its peak, the zoo housed over 1,000 animals representing more than 150 species, including rare and endangered animals such as Sumatran and Siberian tigers, white rhinos, lemurs, and many African species.

Historical Timeline

1994

Zoo opened on May 28th by David S. Gill on converted farmland

1995-1999

Rapid growth from 55,000 to 220,000 annual visitors

1997

First major incident: white rhino escape and shooting

2008

Tragic fire killed 31 lemurs; David Gill stabbed at home

2009

Major expansion from 17 to 51 acres approved

2017

David Gill lost operating license due to welfare concerns

2017-2024

Operated by Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd under Karen Brewer

December 2024

Zoo permanently closed - animals being rehomed

Conservation Legacy

Despite controversies, the zoo contributed to several conservation efforts:

  • Successful breeding program for critically endangered Sumatran tigers
  • Participation in European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) breeding programs
  • White rhino breeding success with births of Nyala (2008) and Zimba (2008)
  • Conservation education programs for thousands of visitors annually

Former Animal Collections

Original image: wp-content/uploads/2017/07/our-animals-7.jpg
Historical photo of zoo animals

Notable Species (During Operation):

  • Big Cats: Sumatran tigers, Siberian tigers, lions, cheetahs
  • African Animals: White rhinos, giraffes, zebras, various antelope species
  • Primates: Various lemur species, including rare Alaotran gentle lemurs
  • Other Species: Penguins, birds of prey, reptiles, and domestic farm animals

All animals from the former collection are being relocated to appropriate facilities by qualified animal welfare organizations in 2025.

Management History & Controversies

David Gill Era (1994-2017)

Founder David Gill operated the zoo for over 20 years, during which time it experienced both success and significant controversies:

  • Multiple animal welfare concerns and inspector reports
  • Personal controversies including criminal incidents
  • Financial difficulties leading to company administration in 2018
  • Eventually lost operating license in 2017

Final Years (2017-2024)

Under Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd management:

  • Attempts to improve animal welfare standards
  • Continued operations under new management
  • Ultimate decision to permanently close in December 2024

What Happened to the Animals?

Current Status (2025): All animals from the former South Lakes Safari Zoo are being rehomed to accredited facilities. This process is being managed by:

For official updates on animal welfare and rehoming, contact local animal welfare authorities or EAZA directly.

Visitor Information (Historical)

During its operational years, the zoo featured:

  • Daily animal feeding experiences
  • Educational talks and presentations
  • Walk-through enclosures
  • Children's play areas and picnic facilities
  • Gift shop and café facilities
Original images preserved:
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wp-content/uploads/2023/03/half-price-easter.jpg
(Former promotional materials)

Important Disclaimers

⚠️ Critical Information:

  • This website is NOT OFFICIAL and is maintained for historical information purposes only
  • The zoo is PERMANENTLY CLOSED as of December 2024
  • No tickets are being sold - any ticket sales would be fraudulent
  • Do not attempt to visit - the site is no longer accessible to the public
  • For official information contact Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council or local authorities

Alternative Wildlife Attractions in Cumbria

For those interested in wildlife experiences in the Lake District area, consider these alternatives:

  • Lake District Wildlife Park (Keswick)
  • Windermere Jetty Museum (aquatic life)
  • RSPB nature reserves throughout Cumbria
  • National Trust properties with wildlife programs
  • Chester Zoo (approximately 2 hours drive)
  • Knowsley Safari Park (Lancashire)