South Lakes Safari Zoo to close
They'll be moving to a new site.
South Lakes Safari Zoo is closing.
People are being invited to the zoo for one last time for a visit – with the group confirming plans for a £10million investment at a large site at Tebay as a nature and wildilife park.
Karen Brewer, chief executive of Cumbria Zoo Company Limited said: "We hope members of the zoo will come for a complementary tour and share their memories at Dalton with us before we close on December 31."
Meanwhile, Karen confirmed the progress of a new 120-acre site at Tebay, along with visitor accommodation already available.
The planned scheme - Into the Wilds - aligns with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s emerging Local Plan 2023-2040 which is supportive of new visitor facilities that will directly help visitors to enjoy the special qualities of the National Park.
Karen said: "We are bringing £10 million worth of investment into the area in total, creating around 12 new jobs and supporting our rural economy and local communities. There are huge benefits for the environment as the development will support the wider eco system and biodiversity of the National Park.
"In transition, the animals at Cumbria Zoo will all continue to be looked after and given the best veterinary care. We are working with various agencies, including two zoo consultants, to find them all new homes that are appropriate for their longer-term needs.
"The initial development enables the movement of two of our rhinos to the land at Tebay in a safe and efficient manner knowing they will be happy with the environment we have created."
The Into the Wilds experience offers a wildlife reserve atmosphere and will promote the special qualities of the National Park. Access will be limited to pre-bookings only to ensure it is efficiently managed, with a viewing area accessed by the holiday cottages.
As well as enjoying the wildlife and the animals, activities at the new Into the Wilds experience will include walking trails along the River Lune, an ant farm, squirrels, ranger station, nature detective activities, simple mini golf, hay bale maze and a cubs’ activity playground trail. There will also be goats, sheep, donkeys and pigs to admire as part of the visit.
Karen added: "When we took over the original zoo at Dalton in 2017, we did so because of our love and passion for the animals in our care and the wider world
"We originally opened the doors for free and we will do the same for December. We cannot thank enough the three million plus of you who have visited us over the last seven years, supported us and ultimately celebrated with us in our amazing animal world.
"There are lots of activities for everyone to get involved with or simply just pop along and say goodbye to your old favourites - we will be pleased to see you all."