I write this petition out of deep personal concern and a strong belief in the ethical and legal duty we, as humans, have towards animals. The captive wild animals at South Lakes Safari Zoo have no choice over who owns or is responsible for their welfare. That responsibility should have been taken seriously, but instead, there are allegations of deliberate abuse. An employee described the appalling conditions that the animals are forced to endure & experience:

”I’d see kangaroos, just skin and bones,” an ex-employee told the Guardian. “Staff with no training, no clue. The enclosures were filthy. It was depressing. You’d come in in the morning and think, ‘What’s dead or escaped?”.

A Freedom For Animals report published evidence of penguins suffering in an empty pool in 29 degree heat, and a kangaroo that appeared starving and emaciated. Among the extensive catalogue of animal deaths, some appeared to be the result of cruelty and negligence. There was a squirrel monkey whose body was found decomposing behind a radiator; a tortoise that died from cold; the bodies of two snow leopard cubs, named Miska and Natasja, which were found partially eaten; and two giraffes which died within months of each other, one from a gastrointestinal infection and the other by euthanasia as it was so weak it could no longer stand. Inspectors raised concerns about overcrowding, poor hygiene and nutrition, and “a lack of any sort of developed veterinary care”.
The situation at South Lakes Safari Zoo is dire. Reports and investigations have continuously raised concern over the welfare of the animals. We believe that anyone who fails to adequately care for animals, neglects them, or abuses them, should have all animals removed from their custody and be prosecuted to the highest degree. 

We may never know the full extent of the trauma these animals have experienced, but we can prevent future harm. We are calling on the relevant authorities to close South Lakes Safari Zoo and ensure the animals in its care are rehomed to a safe, caring, and nurturing environment where they'll receive proper treatment.

Join me in demanding justice for these innocent lives. We owe it to them, to show them that we respect their rights and their wellbeing, despite their inability to speak up for themselves. Sign this petition and demand the closure of South Lakes Safari Zoo, and the safe rehoming of its animals.