Saturday 4 February 2012
Published: 21/06/2010 15:23 - Updated: 21/06/2010 16:17

Safari park criticised for keeping animals in 'inadequate' conditions

Lion Woburn Safari Park has been criticised for allegedly keeping its animals in unsound and confined accommodation.
 
Inspectors reportedly found that during winter months the lions at the park, owned by the Duke of Bedford, were kept inside for around 18 hours a day.
The review of lion management and accommodation undertaken in January also revealed that the concrete blocks of the building they were kept in were 'cracked in places' and appeared to be 'structurally unsound'.
 
It adds: "There were clear signs of substantial fighting between the animlas; the overnight house was inadequate in space provision and facilities for the animals, structurally unsound to operate; and the lions were confined in the winter season for unreasonable lengths of time."
 
However it does state that Woburn management 'were acting to improve the situation and this appeared to be part of an ongoing programme rather than as an immediate reaction to a complaint'.

The Safari Park was inspected by officials from Defra in January after Central Bedfordshire Council received complaints from an ex-employee at the park.

It was followed up by a second visit in February and a further inspection earlier this month.

Reports on the latest findings are yet to be published.

A statement from the Safari Park says that it does not accept the allegations made and adds: "Woburn Safari Park is, and has always been, committed to animal welfare and best practice.

"The park has been operational for 40 years and for the last ten years we have implemented a detailed development program with the specific remit of providing Woburn’s animals with the highest attainable standards.

"The park receives regular inspections from Central Bedfordshire Council, and has also been inspected by BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) representatives to substantiate the fact that high standards of animal welfare are maintained."
 
Cllr Budge Wells, Assistant Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles at Central Bedfordshire Council said: “As the licensing authority for zoos, we take our responsibilities for both animal welfare and public protection very seriously.

 

“A full inspection of Woburn Safari Park was arranged by us on June 10 and 11 this year to consider licensing conditions and animal welfare.

“In line with DEFRA guidelines, the inspection team included specialist vets and Woburn Safari Park as the zoo licence holder.

“Prior to this, there had been a special inspection in February undertaken by Central Bedfordshire Council and DEFRA appointed vets following a number of complaints about Woburn Safari Park. A number of outstanding matters from that inspection were also addressed in the inspection carried out last week.

“We are now awaiting detailed reports from the vets, and once we have these the licensing conditions will be updated to reflect the current activity at the park."

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