A SOUTH LAKES zoo has had the renewal of its licence deferred so it can act on conditions made before it is re-inspected. 

Barrow Borough Council's Licensing Regulatory Committee today imposed a series of additional conditions on South Lakes Safari Zoo's present licence. The Dalton attraction will be re-inspected in May to judge how it is complying with the conditions, such as reviewing animal bites.

The committee will reconvene at Barrow Town Hall on July 5 and 6 to take a decision on renewing the zoo's licence. 

South Lakes Safari Zoo Ltd's representatives had told the committee today that it is "absolutely vital" that the licence is renewed to ensure "confidence, continuity and no financial losses". 

The attraction's licence had been due to expire in June and inspectors, who visited the zoo in November, had recommended that renewal was refused unless additional conditions were complied with and that greater emphasis was placed on condition 32, "that robust management and staffing structure must be in place to the satisfaction of the licensing authority". 

The committee decided to defer a decision until inspectors had returned to the zoo.    

The additional conditions include addressing perimeter fencing, upgrading inadequate baboon accommodation, reviewing public feeding and addressing flooring in the flamingo house.      

The zoo is operated by South Lakes Safari Zoo Ltd with the licence held by David Gill. 

Karen Brewer, of South Lakes Safari Zoo, told the committee that the zoo is to be operated by a new charity company, Safari Zoo Nature Foundation Ltd, and that the charity would hold the licence.  

Mrs Brewer said the board has appointed her as chief executive officer, there is also a new senior zoo manager and deputy to replace the 22 years of experience of Mr Gill who is retiring.