Dear John,
 

On Monday the 22nd July, the Westmorland and Furness Sub-Regulatory Committee discussed Cumbria Safari Zoo’s recent inspections, which highlighted damning evidence of continued animal neglect and suffering. However instead of revoking the licence, they have instead added further licencing conditions to the zoo's current licence. This is not good enough.

We know, like you, that appropriate action has not been taken to protect the animals who are still trapped in the poor conditions they have been subjected to for over a decade. 

Freedom for Animals carried out an undercover investigation into Cumbria Safari Zoo between May 2023-Feb 2024. 

We found shocking failings throughout the investigation, which led us to create a detailed report to send to Westmorland and Furness Council, alongside the release of undercover video footage to the public. Once we released the footage, and it was subsequently shared in the press, the zoo's only response was to claim the issues were all prior to their “change in management” in 2017, yet these were failings that occurred in 2023-2024.

Like the sad drowning of a baby kangaroo, who left the safety of their mother's pouch, and fell into an unfenced pond in their enclosure. Unable to escape the deep water, they died. This preventable tragedy occurred in December 2023. 

Watch all episodes from our shocking undercover investigation into Cumbria Safari Zoo now!

The disgraceful evidence of neglect found at Cumbria Safari Zoo over the years is so vast, yet somehow they have been allowed to remain open to visitors, and continued to make profit off the backs of the animals there. This is unacceptable.

This devastating investigation has shown that nothing has changed for the animals trapped in this zoo. And after reading the inspection reports from the council's own investigations, we know these grave concerns are not going to go away. 

We must continue the call for Westmorland and Furness Council to finally close down this horrendous zoo, and shout our demands even louder than before. Enough is enough.
 

These investigations are vital in the fight for animal freedom, and it is only thanks YOU that we are able to carry them out and shine a light on this terrible exploitation.

Without your generous support, we would not be able to do the work that we do - so please know how grateful we are for your continued support and kindness. Your donations help to keep our investigators out doing what they do best - finding evidence of the cruelty that so many animals go through in zoos. Thank you, from us and from the animals. 

Please share these videos widely, along with the petition, and I will keep you updated on this important campaign!

For the animals,


Laura Walton
Campaigns Manager
Freedom for Animals