Dear John,

We have some incredible news to share with you!

This morning, South Lakes Zoo AKA Cumbria Safari Zoo, have announced they with be closing at the end of December this year.

After nearly a decade of campaigning for the closure of this appalling zoo, we are thrilled to announce its long-overdue closure! 

The zoo has seen ongoing, endless welfare and safety concerns for both animals and humans present on it's site. This even led to it being dubbed "Britain's Worst Zoo" in the press, after 500 animals died in a 3 year period, and a keeper was tragically killed by a tiger. These tragedies are what has kept us fighting for the animals who are still trapped behind it's walls

This marks a significant milestone in Freedom for Animals history, and is a result that could only have been achieved thanks to the incredible drive and determination of our supporters and animal advocates just like you!

I wanted to share this with you as soon as possible as I know you will be as thrilled at this news as we are.

What happens next

Our main concern is, and always has been, for the animals at the zoo. We will now start work contacting the council to find out exactly what will be happening to the animals that are still locked inside this zoo. 

We are aiming to find out as much information as possible on the zoo’s closure plans, and we will update you in due course.

Regardless, this victory is a reminder that our work is far from over. We will continue to campaign and fight for the freedom of all animals held in these terrible conditions.

To everyone who fought for this moment: thank you. Let this victory inspire us to keep fighting for a world where all animals are free from harm and exploitation.

For the animals,


For the animals,
Laura Walton
Campaigns Manager
Freedom for Animals

P.S. This victory for animals has only been made possible thanks to your commitment and hard work to freeing animals from a life of misery. Thank you!