South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria will close at the end of December following a history of animal welfare issues and a recent BBC investigation that reported on avoidable animal deaths. The zoo’s operator, Cumbria Zoo Company Limited, announced plans to rehome the animals and focus on a new site in Tebay. This decision follows strict conditions imposed by local authorities and past controversies, including the deaths of numerous animals and a fatal incident involving a keeper. The company assures that animal care will continue during the transition.