SOUTH Lakes Safari Zoo founder David Gill and his wife have been reappointed as sole directors of the zoo - with the four new directors being terminated from their positions.
In a strange twist, despite vowing that Mr Gill would no longer be involved in the running of the zoo at a formal licensing meeting just three weeks ago, the company has reappointed Mr Gill and his wife Frieda Rivera-Schreiber.
The other directors - Karen Brewer, Jayne Birkett, Claire Lambert and Stewart Lambert - have seen their appointments terminated.
Mrs Brewer had been head of the new management structure appointed to take over the running of the zoo to comply with inspectors' and Barrow Borough Council's concerns about Mr Gill.
in-Cumbria.com understands that Barrow Borough Council is aware of the change in directors.
Earlier this month, the council rejected an application to the renew the licence of South Lakes Safari Zoo over health and safety and management concerns.
South Lakes Safari Zoo applied to renew its licence in January 2016 but Barrow Borough Council has been forced to consider whether or not the attraction can be allowed to stay open after concerns relating to Mr Gill.
It decided to reject Mr Gill's application but the zoo now has six months to reapply in its own right. It will stay open during this time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here